the centaurs of attention - gallop and flex

The Centaurs of Attention

Gallop and Flex
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Demiera Harris

I was to understand there’d be musical ambiguity when listening to The Centaurs of Attentions’ EP Gallop and Flex. Already intrigued by the creative band name, and feeling challenged by the idea that I couldn’t firmly categorize this band’s sound, I dove right in.

I got a few moments into the wonderfully complex “Slings and Arrows,” and I would have thrown a white flag if I didn’t enjoy the sound so much. There’s some really nice piano going, some choir sounds – is that a tambourine – and a jam session that just explodes with sound. 

I don’t think I was supposed to start laughing at the beginning of “Lament” (the slow down made me feel even more guilty about it, thanks) but I couldn’t help it; it was so surprisingly bubbly even though the subject matter was quite serious. There are some really nice vocals here, and the chorus is incredibly catchy. This sounds like show tune meets heartbreak song, and it’s a very powerful combination.

Any song that manages to mention huevos rancheros gets a plus in my book, and “San Diego” doesn’t take long to satisfy. It’s a very sweet toast to the city, with some rather correctly used terminology and humor all the way throughout. I’ve never been there, but if this depiction is true, I’d like to go visit right away.

“Here Come The Cylons” sounds like it could be the intro song to a Saturday morning cartoon that I would love to watch. I can just see vivid illustrations morphing and changing shape and bravely standing up to whatever forces rise up to meet them, based mainly on the imagery painted by the piano and vocals with a nice taste of special sounds to spice things up. 

Okay – Centaurs of Attention wins. There is no possible way to package their sound into one category of music, and to do so would really be blasphemy. This was a fun listen all the way through, however, and is more than worthy of checking out. I hear their live shows are equally, if not more, impactful; so if they’re playing in your town, give them a glance, and be sure to let me know if you think they’re as boisterous and unique as I’ve found them to be!

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