Some bands spend years searching for their true sound as they strain under the weight of influences, trends or expectations. Other bands just sound naturally comfortable in their own skin. Walleater is one of those bands. Throw whatever tag you want upon the young UK band, Walleater occupies their own space and they do so with a remarkably clear artistic vision. The band has a penchant for melody and suspense, a certain flare for the dramatic build and release. However, this never comes at the expense of the song. Nothing is contrived or forced, every note serves a purpose and every piece of the puzzle fits. And that simplicity, that organic quality, that is where Walleater’s sound begins and ends.
In Cayetana, there’s a point where songwriting gets so specific, so personal and nuanced, that it all of a sudden transcends idiosyncracy and becomes universal. That’s what makes Cayetana’s debut LP “Nervous Like Me” such a winning record. Whether the experiences are her own, imagined or some combination of the two, frontwoman Augusta Koch tells lyrical stories you instantly relate to. Stories of emotional dependency and toxic friendships (“Serious Things are Stupid,” “Dirty Laundry”), of the beautiful transience of twentysomething life (“Scott Get The Van, I’m Moving,” “South Philly”), of discovering empowerment in solitude (“Madame B”). But it’s not just the subject matter that makes this a great album – it’s the hooks. These are some catchy-as-hell songs, most clocking in around or under three minutes; most moving at a brisk pace, propelled by Kelly Olsen’s aggressive drums and Allegra Anka’s wandering, New Order-ish bass counterpoints; most featuring endlessly sing-along-able passages. The title, “Nervous Like Me”, is also apt.
The album has a nervous energy undercurrent in the frenzied drumbeats and jagged guitars and Koch’s tender, quivering delivery. You can feel that tension, that uncertainty and fear, and in her words she spells out explicity why it exists. Even though you haven’t specifically been in the same place, you know how she feels, you can relate. And that is the power of strong, honest songwriting.
Cayetana – “Nervous Like Me” (Tiny Engines) – There’s a point where songwriting gets so specific, so personal and nuanced, that it all of a sudden transcends idiosyncracy and becomes universal. That’s what makes Cayetana’s debut LP “Nervous Like Me” such a winning record. Whether the experiences are her own, imagined or some combination of the two, frontwoman Augusta Koch tells lyrical stories you instantly relate to. Stories of emotional dependency and toxic friendships (“Serious Things are Stupid,” “Dirty Laundry”), of the beautiful transience of twentysomething life (“Scott Get The Van, I’m Moving,” “South Philly”), of discovering empowerment in solitude (“Madame B”). But it’s not just the subject matter that makes this a great album – it’s the hooks. These are some catchy-as-hell songs, most clocking in around or under three minutes; most moving at a brisk pace, propelled by Kelly Olsen’s aggressive drums and Allegra Anka’s wandering, New Order-ish bass counterpoints; most featuring endlessly sing-along-able passages. The title, Nervous Like Me, is also apt. Our contributing writer Bryne Yancey pointed that the album has a nervous energy undercurrent in the frenzied drumbeats and jagged guitars and Koch’s tender, quivering delivery. You can feel that tension, that uncertainty and fear, and in her words she spells out explicity why it exists. Even though you haven’t specifically been in the same place, you know how she feels, you can relate. And that is the power of strong, honest songwriting.
Following quickly on the heels of their breakthrough debut, Philadelphia, PA’s Beach Slang will head right back in the studio in June 2014 to record a new 7″ that will come out in the Fall on Tiny Engines Records. The new release will follow up the band’s debut, “Who Would Ever Want Anything So Broken?”.
Beach Slang have been the talk of the scene in 2014 making a big splash with their powerful debut EP, “Who WouldEver Want Anything So Broken?”. A supergroup of sorts, featuring James Snyder of Weston, JP Flexner of Ex-Friends and Ed McNulty, formerly of Nona, currently of Crybaby, Beach Slang‘s seamless mix of indie, emo and pop/punk is the perfect punk rock Summer soundtrack.
The story of Cayetana is the story of punk rock. No matter the age, no matter the place, punk rock is all about seizing a moment in time. Punk rock is simply about doing it yourself and doing it now. So, it did not matter that these three friends came together to start a band yet knew very little about their instruments. This was their journey to take together. And from there, Cayetana was born. Learning and growing together these friends have crafted a sound that is as organic as music can possibly be. So, it is no surprise how perfectly everything fits into place here. The memorable vocals, the affecting lyrics, the rolling, imaginative bass, and the steady, spiky drums all showcase the remarkable chemistry of three musicians / friends completely in tune with one another. Pulling from elements and influences of indie and folk,
The Fat Angel Sings 