AMode is an independent rock duo from Galveston County, Texas who’ve just released their self-titled debut AMode. Drummer Chase Cromartie is also the lead singer, along with Reid O’Sullivan on electric guitar, bass and lap steel. The band calls these songs “cinematic tales of seaside dive bar dream states, future jubilation and Rock and Roll Mood.” Recording and mixing took place at the band’s home studio using Reaper “on an old, lagging Mac mini.” Mastering was by James Mason.
“Fooling” starts in with lazy, retro-sounding tremolo guitars, like the soundtrack for some desert island hallucinations. When the song proper begins, the structure owes a lot to the Love classic “My Little Red Book.” Chase Cromartie’s vocals suggest Robert Plant in his more laid-back moments, or even Radiohead’s Thom Yorke. Structurally the band seems to prefer sticking to patterns of two alternating chords, upon which they add solos or subtle variations. In the video, a wrestler-looking dude wakes up alone (and lonely), then dresses in a flamboyant outfit and proceeds to paint the town red before crashing out on a bench. Is he fooling the public or himself? “Ehh Tu” has a compelling “whiplash” rhythm. This is a good time to mention the drums, which are very real and follow each song’s dictates without worrying about absolute perfection. The vocals here feature really nice understated harmonies on the chorus, and a cool electric solo to bring the song home. The video seems to follow a young homeless photographer with a penchant for religious iconography, but most of the video is so dark I can’t glean much else. “Nuggest Of Crystal Wisdom” has a funkier “ricochet” rhythm, and the guitar work is especially tasty. For the vocals I was again reminded of Robert Plant in his Presence mode, and the drum fills are sharp and right on the money. “Keep Up” most definitely “keeps it up” for over five minutes, with the kind of fuzzy, enveloping rock Neil Young likes to explore with Crazy Horse. I can’t help but float away with it. “Roll Mood” has the final video of the series. After a short but magical guitar fragment, the song itself lumbers in like a tape played at half speed, while a guy jogs Rocky-style through a bleak downtown area, before training in a boxing ring. The dominant tremelo guitars are back, alongside a simple but effective drum beat. I may not have praised Cromartie’s vocals enough, as by now I’m a total believer in his abilities and sincerity. An octave-effect guitar solo adds an interesting element here. The final song “Feet Back” goes back to the band’s funk-rock roots, which feel a bit like the Red Hot Chili Peppers on a quiet day. This band has a great sound and style, and I definitely look forward to their future endeavors!
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
April 2024
|