As soon as I read that the new album Exaggerator by Provincial Camps was written by Sam Roach when he was sixteen I was wondering if I was going to be able to relate to this album. I know having gone through it that your perspective of experience changes as you age. Aaahh if only my sixteen-year self knew what my thirty-six self knows now. Enough with the nostalgia.
Truth be told when listening to the album there were some things I could relate to and other things which felt like it was from a former life. Besides the lyrics you also have the music which in this case has a raw lo-fi indie vibe. Specific bands that came to mind were Cloud Nothings and Guided by Voices. The album opens with “Intro” which is a bunch of noise and distortion from the guitars. Enjoyable but it didn't need to go on as long as it did. The album gets going with “Exaggerator” which is a fast paced, distorted indie gem and a highlight on the album. There are some great hooks and the chorus is infectious. “Don't Think” has a pretty wicked groove. I was having a hard time making out the lyrics here except for when they repeat the title of the song with authority. “Slim Slow Slider” had a bit of coming of age, Americana vibe while “Drained Brain” is another highlight that is drowning in waves of distortion. As the album progresses “You're in My Throat” and “If” were notable songs. The production/recording quality is about that of a demo. It is by no means a bad recording but it contains the standard issues you often hear with a home recording. Not enough separation between elements, narrow drums sound, etc. Roach certainly has a talent for any age but the fact that he is so young makes me think he is just getting started. Recommended.
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