Sapphire - Sapphire EP (self-released)
This one's been a long time coming. Sapphire, the duo of Lily Govrik and Ava Levy, were one of the first bands I wrote about for this column. Since that spellbinding first song ("You Are," which thankfully turns up on Sapphire), I've been excited for a more definitive musical statement. Here it is, their self-titled EP. Govrik and Levy turn up with a quintet of fun, cloudy tunes, ranging from the fuzzy "Ska Song" (it's not even a ska song) to the quietly devoted "You Are." Mellowness abounds; easy-going melodies cross paths with low-key production and understatement. Indi Koonce provides lead guitar across the EP and Isaac Levy contributes booming live drums on several tracks. Closer "Vyvance" is practically a garage rock song, crashing in out of nowhere. "You Are" is still the best song, reworked slightly from its original Caleb Hinz-produced version. It's definitive in its simple yet elegant lyrics and gorgeous harmonies. Why Not's Henry Breen recorded and produced the entire thing, extending himself into another venture and proving his hand. Sapphire go all over the place musically, but never lose sight of their core. Govrik and Levy utilize their clear musical chemistry to great strengths and let their collaborators lift them up without obscuring them. It's a solid debut from another great band.
Mister Wes - "Baskerville" (Shallow Pine Records)
Stillwater band Mister Wes relishes in minuscule complexities. Their new song "Baskerville," released a few months after their debut Fairway Rd N, works with several tiny changes that momentarily alter its course. The jagged riffs found at certain moments of Fairway make a decisive return to form and keep it funky. Instead of staying at the forefront, Caleb Bakke's guitar flies back and forth, interweaving with his singing and the outstanding rhythm section of Gunnar Lindquist and Will Suit (drums and bass respectively). It's a sufficiently electric song, never content to stay still with one idea. Motifs, melodies, and hooks materialize and vanish like their lives depend on it. "Baskerville" would've fit perfectly on Fairway, staying true to its combo of indie and experimentation.
Healthy Competition - Vol. 1 EP
Screaming is underrated. It's cathartic, it's angry, and it sounds good over furious guitar. That's where hardcore punk comes in. Healthy Competition knows the power of screaming. Last week, the Minneapolis quartet released their debut EP Vol. 1. It shreds. It rips. It's just good. At times, it evokes a flaming gas truck hurtling down a hill. At other times, it makes me want to go outside a punch a fascist. Three of the five songs clock in under two minutes, but not for a lack of ideas. Any Black Flag-wannabes can churn out a few short ragers and call it day; most can't cram in enough cacophonous musical goodness to make the listener break a sweat. The lengthiest song on Vol. 1, "Sister Ruth," is a gift from God that lists other gifts God, including antiperspirant deodorant, 15 minutes of in-class work time, and 5% cash back on every in-store purchase. It's a gleeful and malicious anti-capitalist deconstruction. The best thing about the whole EP is its title—Vol. 1 implies future volumes to come. If you've ever wanted to do speed and join the DSA but don't have the resources, this EP is a pretty solid substitute.
Comments
Post a Comment