Amateurs
Speak Easy
2007 | Self-Released
I wanted to somehow work the phrase “Easy like Sunday morning” in here,
not because I’m reviewing the Commodores, but because it’s a great way
to sum up the first full length release, Speak Easy, from Los Angeles based Amateurs.
It’s a laid back, mellow album that meanders through several styles
without getting lost in the woods. Drawing on influences such as T-Rex,
Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie, they produce a style that is reminiscent
of happy 70’s rock, without sounding derivative and clichéd. And then
they throw in some country layers, dark soundscapes, dual guitars, a
violin and a bucket load of emotional vocals. When you think you got
their sound pinpointed down, the album morphs from poppy to dream-like.
This is especially so with the track “Submariners” where the
instruments take on a floating, underwater quality. “Speak Easy”
successfully translates emotion in their instrumental tracks as well,
slowly rising and building the structure until the whole track sweeps
you off your feet. I recommend “Omaha Nights”, “Spectacular Fall”, and
“Submariners”.
-Elana Rintala
From their debut album Passover. The Black Angels play moody, dirty drone rock for fans of BRMC, Warlocks, and Spacemen 3.
Directed by Meiert Avis
An interesting collaboration that sounds like 80's 4AD pop.
Directed by Tom Berninger
Mistaken For Strangers from The National's Boxer out on Beggars.
From 1994's The Archers Of Loaf Vs. The Greatest Of All Time EP (Alias). One of the top contenders for my possibly-maybe future reunion festival blowout.
Directed by George Vale
This is unseen footage from a BRMC gig in Toronto, 2005. The video concept is simple; match the song with black and white live footage and great editing. It captures every color and vibe that is essential in BRMC's music.
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