Having missed so many shows these past weeks. I decided to go back to a couple of recent invites to take a listen to some of the acts I missed. And while I recently ranted about steering clear of Bandcamp. I figured it couldn’t hurt to do a little digging. Below is some insight and reaction to what I found. JD
I Love Your Lifestyle – We Go Way Back
The Swedes are coming. The Swedes are coming. Sweden’s I Love Your Lifestyle write smart and uplifting melodies met by rawkus vocals and choruses. ‘We Go Way Back‘ lifts the spirits as it washes over you with its warm and danceable pop brilliance. As welcome as a cool breeze on a hot summers day. I’ve had this on repeat for days on end. Fourteen songs in all. Music that seem to get better with each listen. Warm, infectious and totally necessary . Available Here
Secret Stuff – This is Fine Nashville Tennessee’s Secret Stuff bring a sense of cheer and wonderment to the table that feels honest and at times, almost effortless. Five emotionally tuned in tracks that leave the listener wanting more. ‘This is Fine’ displays the bands kean ability to fuse melody with inspiring rythms and intricate key changes that give the somewhat subdued songs extra life and energy. Available Here
Yes, Yes, A Thousand Times – Not Once, Not Ever When taking your bands namesake from an epic tale as large as ‘Pride and prejudice’. You better be good. Luckily, in the case of this aptly named act. They kind of are. Both diverse and eclectic. Not Once, Not Ever offers rhythmic blasts of quick and energy fused dream pop spinkled with a jangly punk loosness that adds dimension it’s dreamy, atmospheric, emo inspired soundscapes. Yes, Yes, A Thousand Times add a unique twist to dream pop while managing to evade any specific genre trappings. This one took a few thorough listens to fully appreciate. However, in the end. It was those crazy rhythms and dreamy vocals that inevitably won me over. Available Here
Fire In Motion – Days 8-14 Union New Jersey’s Fire in Motion fall short on they/his namesake with two offerings of folky, acoustic dream pop that failed to keep me interested. Musically dull with sleepy lyrics. ‘Days 8-14‘ never really establish themselves. While the recording and production are quite good. It was the songs and their delivery that left me bored and unimpressed. Available Here
Whiner – Forever Demo While the calender clearly states it is the year 2016.
Whiner sound as if thye’d be just as comfortable sitting amongst decades old new wave, synth pop and electronic genius. All of which come off sounding fresh and current. Being a bit older myself. I couldn’t help but feel echoes of pioneers such as such groundbreaking acts as Kraftwerk, Gary Numan and perhaps most closely, The Pet Shop Boys. And while my personal favorite Between You and Me‘ seems to channel the subdued brilliance of The Pet Shop Boys’ Neil Tennant. It’s the following track ‘Ooze‘ that might draw comparisons to ‘The Bends’ era Radiohead. As far as demos go. This is about as good as it gets. Available Here
While “If you think we suck now. just wait til we sell out” is a 2014 release. Massachusetts Agree to Disagree and their ambitious sixteen song imprint are as new to me as last night’s bowl of mac n cheese.
Side A’s “Breathe In” is a real attention getter with its quirky guitar leads and shouted vocals. The song as a whole winds and twists its way too your heart. Punk rock with an emotional vibe that feels as Midwest as the band’s Minnesota routes. Side B’s “Perfume”, takes a more poppy approach to introduce itself. Though not overwhelming. There’s a bit of a Promise Ring feel to it. Overall, a good sampling of what Remo Drive have to offer. Each song having a different effect on me. While good, these two songs didn’t do much to solicit further listening. The record itself comes on [blue swirl vinyl.) Which for me personally, was a nice surprise. For more information on the band and any of their previous work. Check out the links below. JD
document fanzine 