my cone buddy - swiller

My Cone Buddy

Swiller
self-released; 2013

3.3 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

My Cone Buddy is a three-piece band currently based in Neuville, Quebec that recently released a four  song EP entitled Swiller. The EP finds the guys aiming for how the bands sounds live which is basically a punk rock band who replaced their distorted electric guitars for clean acoustic guitars. The best aspect of the music  is the vocal work. The singer has a raspy old school punk 101 type voice that sounds strained and full of emotion. Musically there isn't too much going on besides an acoustic guitar that was recorded as a  DI, (an additional mic would have helped the tinny sounding guitar)  tambourine, lead guitar and poorly recorded drums that have have almost no low end.

The album starts with “swiller” which is arguably the best written track on the EP. I enjoyed the lyrics which talk alcohol consumption. The song is pretty funny as he talks about how he can’t afford the beer from the micro breweries and partying. It’s a simple unpretentious song that was fun too listen too.

“paradigm shift” takes on a slightly more serious topic that explores economic disparity and social injustice.The song combines vocals, acoustic guitar, tambourine as well as a lead guitar solo that comes out of nowhere. “Appeal To Reason” is a solid song that has some well implemented vocal harmonies. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of the two different vocal styles. The song has drums but needed meat on it as he snare sounded pare thin and the kick was barely audible.

The band closes with “not my place” that confronts an existential dilemma of isolation, loneliness and meaning. It is the most heartfelt song out of the four and a good way to end the album.

This EP felt like a solid demo that displayed some some of the bands talent not something that produced in a decent studio. Swiller is a good effort but would love to hear something with a little more sheen and production value in the future.

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