Side Thing is an indie rock band based in Rockford, IL. It’s Safe is their second album, an eight-track collection that readily implements synths, live drums, electronic riffs\ and fuzzy guitars to make a hazy shoegaze, new wave and synthpop concoction. A departure from their more “dreampoppy” first album, It’s Safe comes across edgier, more in your face with a harsher sounding vibe. Having dealt with a pretty severe trauma the past year, the band turned to their music to come to terms with what they had to face and what comes across can be very cathartic and purging. Packed with synths, keys and distortion, a bit of the darkness mentioned previously can definitely be heard in their sound. Though the darkness is not that heavy-handed, it can nevertheless be detected in the somber sounding vocals and lyrics. Sometimes this makes way for a touch of melancholy as the soft vocals reflect on a dash of introspection that can be very thought-provoking. ‘It’s safe’ seems to be a sort of a mantra the band keeps telling us through the album, but on the edge of this chant lies the precipice of danger. The album title is like a premonition of what is to come, something we secretly tell ourselves as we face the storm. The band incorporates the damage and brokenness seen in our lives, as they piece together the darkness found in us all.
It’s Safe begins with “A New Ideology” that is powered by synths. The track has a very retro and new wave vibe to it. The buzzing of distorted guitars adds to this sound. The female vocals are smoothly executed. The drumming beats keep a riveting pace to this song. Warbling synths sound out on “Payment Declined.” Oscillating in and out of this track, the fast-paced beats are driven and rhythmic. Dissonant vocals sound out here. At times euphoric and shimmering, the distorted vocals reminded me at moments of Bjork. Sounding really atmospheric, synths and drumming beats sound off on “Try 32.” This felt like a mix between dance and shoegaze, making for a unique sound. Guitar riffs on this song leans into an indie rock vibe. The female vocals here are echo-y and sound cavernous. Drums and synths make for a rush of colors and sounds on “On My Way Home.” The cacophony of noises is very enticing. Once the echo-y vocals enter, the track grows more dynamic in sound. Shooting synths flare up on “Advanced Disposal” to give a very chiptune video game vibe. The retro instances are very prevalent here. More guitars and drumming beats sound out here. Some subdued male background vocals make an appearance here. As the female lead vocals comes in, the swirling music builds tonally, growing in sound. On “A Foundling,” synths makes for a very welcoming and inviting sound. A dreamy synthwave pop concoction, the waves of sound are very moving. On “The Source,” synths and electronic music makes for a very ear-pleasing sound. As the drumming gains in traction, the song also builds in momentum. The band really reminds me of groups like Beach House and Mazzy Star. I think they do a good job of mixing their retro styles with modern bearings. Heavily based around synths gave this recording a very retro-styled approach that felt very '80s-inspired in the new wave vein. A home recording, the lo-fi-ness of this album seemed to add a rawness to the record that gave it a bona fide bedroom pop vibe. While their sound is definitely heavier on this album, also prominent is their dreampoppy appeal. This proved to be a good follow-up that showed a different side to the band. I look forward to seeing the band exploring more music that makes up their vision.
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
May 2024
|