motorcycle crash - endless bummer

Motorcycle Crash

Endless Bummer
self-released; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

William Friel has been writing music under the moniker Motorcycle Crash for the last three years. He recently released a five-song EP entitled Endless Bummer that is a lo-fi DIY effort that tips its hat to surf, garage as well as a couple of contemporary styles. The obvious reference when listening to his EP is Deerhunter, specifically their latest album Monomania. Friel writes pop songs that are catchy, extremely raw and have good foundations. 

Unfortunately, the EP is limited by sub-standard production that adversely affects the music. There is so much high -end distortion on some of the songs that it is hard to listen to at a high volume. The other issue is that I couldn't make out what he was saying a good portion of the time. I wanted to sing along to his catchy vocal melodies but they were too buried in distortion most of the time. That being said there is a lot of good things happening on this EP, which showcases Friel’s talent.

The album starts out with the highlight of the album called “Highway Lanes.” I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of guitar and what I believe to be a synth of some kind. It has a shoegaze vibe and reminded me a bit of the sound The Flaming Lips achieve on “Race For The Prize.” The vocal work is solid and the mix holds up much better than on some of the other songs.

The next song “Endless Bummer” is another solid song but the high-end frequencies are piercing throughout. It has a surf rock 50’s vibe and I would have loved to hear this song with a bit more warmth and low end. “Heart-Ache” is another well-written song in which the guitar work and vocal harmonies really shine. Unfortunately, the lead vocal is muddy and lays too low in the mix .

It is obvious after listening to Motorcycle Crash’s Endless Bummer that Friel has talent and can write a good tune. He is currently working on a full-length and I hope he is able to improve the production a bit. In the meantime I recommend you take a listen to Endless Bummer.

Motorcycle Crash - Damage from Nicholas Matsas on Vimeo.