Artist Review: Late Cambrian, Peach
Artist: Late Cambrian
Album: Peach
Genre: Rock/Pop
RIYL: Weezer, Phantom Planet, Phoenix, The Arctic Monkeys, MGMT
The very second the opening strains of “Lover’s Point” hit the speakers, my first thought was “well, I know what I’ll be listening to the rest of the summer.” The first track on Peach sets the tone for this Brooklyn-based trio’s magical rock-pop ride: strong melodies, shimmering vocals, cheeky lyrics and charismatic delivery permeate every second of this album. The result is a well-paced, immaculately produced set of songs that immediately lift your mood.
From one song to the next, Late Cambrian members John W. Laysewski (vocals, guitar), O (synth, vocals) and Nunzio Moudatsos (bass, vocals) put their distinct style and skills on full display with confidence. The choices made regarding song structure and placement of harmonies show a maturity that comes when a band members are really gelling and inspiring each other to push for something greater than a sum of parts. “The Year I Cut The Cable” moves past our initial introduction to the group and really starts to showcase each member, and we hear O break out vocally for the first time. This moves directly into “The Wolf,” a song that seems borne to kick things up a notch in a live setting. This is the first standout track, and sets off a string of tracks that ebb and flow through the end of the album.
“Made For Love” is a self-effacing lyrical gem that features strong guitar lines, well-placed dynamics and takes some sonic risks reminiscent of Radiohead, especially when the instrumental break kicks in. “Ryan Gosling” is another melodic standout, and not surprisingly, has garnered the band some well-deserved attention. “Poetry” shows us yet another side of the band as songwriters, reminding of the Old 97s and employing some delicate acoustic guitar to counterbalance some truly beautiful vocal work. “Resolution” compels that warm poppy feeling forward with chords and harmonies that just seem to wash over the speakers. “The Luddite” closes this album as strongly as it starts, ending on a high note and making me reach for the restart before it even hit the chorus. We hear all three members in harmony and as individuals, a motley crew of singers who seem to bear perfect pitch with a little bit of kitsch.
A lot of work goes into making music like this; Peach feels and sounds effortless, although the complexity of song arrangement is, at times, staggering. It’s clever without being condescending, pure and purposeful. Late Cambrian have found the perfect balance between tapping into classic pop songwriting while managing to produce a sound uniquely their own. Comparisons to artists like Weezer, Phantom Planet and Phoenix are inevitable. Late Cambrian doesn’t SOUND like them, they do what those other artists do so well: create amazing pop that is instantly recognizable and steeped in skill. Late Cambrian, with this record, are announcing their arrival. It is impossible to stop listening to the entire album once you start. Like sunshine on skin, this is music that makes you feel warm, joyful and hopeful for the future.
Late Cambrian website: http://www.latecambrian.com/
(This review originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_late_cambrian_peach)
Album: Peach
Genre: Rock/Pop
RIYL: Weezer, Phantom Planet, Phoenix, The Arctic Monkeys, MGMT
The very second the opening strains of “Lover’s Point” hit the speakers, my first thought was “well, I know what I’ll be listening to the rest of the summer.” The first track on Peach sets the tone for this Brooklyn-based trio’s magical rock-pop ride: strong melodies, shimmering vocals, cheeky lyrics and charismatic delivery permeate every second of this album. The result is a well-paced, immaculately produced set of songs that immediately lift your mood.
From one song to the next, Late Cambrian members John W. Laysewski (vocals, guitar), O (synth, vocals) and Nunzio Moudatsos (bass, vocals) put their distinct style and skills on full display with confidence. The choices made regarding song structure and placement of harmonies show a maturity that comes when a band members are really gelling and inspiring each other to push for something greater than a sum of parts. “The Year I Cut The Cable” moves past our initial introduction to the group and really starts to showcase each member, and we hear O break out vocally for the first time. This moves directly into “The Wolf,” a song that seems borne to kick things up a notch in a live setting. This is the first standout track, and sets off a string of tracks that ebb and flow through the end of the album.
“Made For Love” is a self-effacing lyrical gem that features strong guitar lines, well-placed dynamics and takes some sonic risks reminiscent of Radiohead, especially when the instrumental break kicks in. “Ryan Gosling” is another melodic standout, and not surprisingly, has garnered the band some well-deserved attention. “Poetry” shows us yet another side of the band as songwriters, reminding of the Old 97s and employing some delicate acoustic guitar to counterbalance some truly beautiful vocal work. “Resolution” compels that warm poppy feeling forward with chords and harmonies that just seem to wash over the speakers. “The Luddite” closes this album as strongly as it starts, ending on a high note and making me reach for the restart before it even hit the chorus. We hear all three members in harmony and as individuals, a motley crew of singers who seem to bear perfect pitch with a little bit of kitsch.
A lot of work goes into making music like this; Peach feels and sounds effortless, although the complexity of song arrangement is, at times, staggering. It’s clever without being condescending, pure and purposeful. Late Cambrian have found the perfect balance between tapping into classic pop songwriting while managing to produce a sound uniquely their own. Comparisons to artists like Weezer, Phantom Planet and Phoenix are inevitable. Late Cambrian doesn’t SOUND like them, they do what those other artists do so well: create amazing pop that is instantly recognizable and steeped in skill. Late Cambrian, with this record, are announcing their arrival. It is impossible to stop listening to the entire album once you start. Like sunshine on skin, this is music that makes you feel warm, joyful and hopeful for the future.
Late Cambrian website: http://www.latecambrian.com/
(This review originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_late_cambrian_peach)
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