Anachronist - static and light

Anachronist

static and light 
self-released; 2014

3.7 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Anachronist is a five-piece band comprised of Phil Carr (drums), Brian Clark (guitar and vocals), Mike Donofrio (bass), Craig Jarvis (guitar) and Angela Paladino (vocals) that released an album entitled static and light through the record label State and Main Records. The music they play can easily fit under the umbrella of rock but the band tends to be more melodic than cranking up the distortion and plowing through a couple of power chords. The guitars are relatively clean and when we do have some distortion it usually is crunchy leaving ample room for the vocals and other instrumentation to breath. 

The songs take little work to enjoy, as the vocals from Paladino and Clark are instantly aesthetically pleasing to your ears. Clark’s vocals doesn’t have many traits that make it particularly distinct but it does have subtle warm overtones that make it appealing. Some of the best vocal work is when they harmonize such as on the first song “Take Them Back.” It is a solid song overall and reminded me of a less distorted Alice in Chains at points (mostly the verse). Speaking of bands they sound like, tell me that the beginning of their second track “Nothing's Here to Stay” doesn’t sound like “Teen Age Riot” by Sonic Youth. 

They slow things down a bit on “Like Beads” and give the lead vocals to Paladino. It was nice to hear her vocals front and center because she certainly sounds good especially when she sings with some melancholy in her voice. “It’s Happening” sounded like a ‘90s alternative song from a band like Candlebox or Gin Blossoms while “The One Time” contained some of the most engaging vocal harmonies from Paladino and Clark. 

As the album progresses "I've Arrived" and closer "Two Of Us" were notable songs. The guitar work on "I've Arrived" was some of the most engaging on the album and in some ways reminded me of Fleet Foxes. Their is a haunting melancholy that the songs spews which sticks with you after the song is over.

The closer "Two Of Us strings together loose chords for a slowly trudges it way towards the ending. They rock out in epic fashion towards the end of the song as the music veers towards nostalgic post-rock

Static and Light is a mix between alternative ‘90s rock and contemporary indie rock. A like-minded group that comes to mind is The Wrens. They both kind of have that blue collar, we’re just a bunch of normal people playing rock music vibe - it’s hard to pinpoint but it’s there. The songs are relatable and down to earth in a way that makes it easy for the listener to connect with. I’ll take it. 

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