Video/Album Review: Givers ‘In Light’ & Tiny Desk Concert
Full confession, I am a fairly recent convert to the indie music scene. I have always been a music junkie, but I didn’t delve deep into this genre until about a year and a half ago. I was spoon fed on sixties folk rock and classic soul: Crosby Stills & Nash, Simon & Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Motown and The Staples Singers. Not a shabby start.
By the time I began to listen for myself I had moved toward the jammier side of the post 90s rock scene. That path led to retracing their influences down through funk, blues, southern roots and traditional music. Along that path I developed a strong appreciation for jazz and improvisation—particularly that of the New Orleans region.
For the last year or two, my palate has enjoyed the taste of rigid, three-minute music that The Strokes helped to spawn a decade ago. There is a beauty that lies in that simplicity and raw emotion. So long as an organic aspect remains in there somewhere, a natural or primal sound, I’m typically a listener. One thing I have missed though, is that aspect of improvisation, an interplay between planned and unplanned.
Enter Laffayette, Louisiana’s Givers, and their debut LP In Light from Glassnote Records. No songs under four minutes. I find myself returning to this album as often as any 2011 release. Though I find the disc a touch over-produced, read—it sounds too good at certain points. Any worries of whether or not Givers would hold up to the live litmus test swiftly vanished after viewing their recent Tiny Desk Concert via NPR Music:
In Light is pure fun. As evidenced in the above video, these kids can sing. Vocalists Tiffany Lamson and Taylor Guarisco compliment each other flawlessly. “Meantime,” the first track from the Tiny Desk performance plays quite differently on the album. Their song features a guitar solo that will have traditional indie fans yawning. But the video proves how effective the track becomes after watching them pour their hearts out for the NPR staff.
Givers has drawn comparisons to Vampire Weekend and other Afrobeat-influenced acts. And the release is much heavier on percussion and powerful drums than this performance indicates. However, if anyone comes to mind for me, it’s actually Rusted Root. A tighter, more serious and worlds more talented Rusted Root.
Their live show is most assuredly going to have the crowd’s feet shuffling. If this video does not do justice to any of the band’s strengths, it’s that it short sells the fact that much of the album would play just as well in a dance club as a jam band festival. That’s why I think Givers will be a hit for as long as they stay together. They play to the core emotion of too many differing audiences to fail.
Album Review: Andy Salge ‘Shuffle’
An exciting new release hit the Indianapolis music scene last month in the form of Andy Salge’s solo debut Shuffle. The album marks the first official release from Nick Vote’s Great Tasting Studios. Vote doubled as studio instrumentalist for many of Shuffle’s seven tracks. Salge’s effort marks a significant change of course from his work as bassist with Blue Moon Revue (who will drop its own release, produced by Alan Johnson of Static Shack Studios, sometime this summer).
Many of the album’s melodies are built around synth-heavy beats and heavy bass tracks. This marks a first for Salge as the synthesizer is an instrument that rarely sees the light of day on his BMR work. Salge’s strong songwriting is the one carry over from both projects. He keeps the structures simple here, shorter songs laden with addictive hooks—lyrically and instrumentally.
Any of you readers have shitty jobs? Next time you’re rolling out of work at 5 o’clock, roll down your windows, spark a cigarette, turn your speakers up and blast “Call it a Day.” Tell me this track is not as satisfying as that first beer on the couch after a long day. Fair waning, road rage may shortly ensue—but you will enjoy it.
“It’s On” is an addictive track that will remain engrained in your psyche for weeks on end. “Find a Way” falls in line as another catchy, danceable track. The rest of the album can be a little scatter-brained; Shuffle proves an apt title as the songs bounce through varying themes and musical styles. I tend to think of this as a success rather than a failure.
Shuffle, more than anything else, should be viewed as an experiment for Salge. This was not a calculated, year-in-the-making release. That will come in the form of BMR’s release this summer. However, I am excited that he has opened the door to new possibilities as a musician. As previously stated, the songwriting here is solid and that ain’t going to change. It will be interesting to see what shape that writing takes on as Salge grows more comfortable behind the keyboard and synthesizer.
Other good tunes from Shuffle: “Song for Aaron” & “I Suppose”
Roll up to Salge’s new smoke-infused single: “Treat Yourself”
Stream Andy Salge’s new album Shuffle:
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Album Review: Triptides release ‘Psychic Summer’
I am a sucker for the Surf Pop segment of the indie scene and Triptides punches you in the face with it – albeit in a mellow manner. San Francisco bands Sonny & The Sunsets, Thee Oh Sees, and Ty Segall have accounted for some of the sweetest Garage Rock that I’ve heard in years. Throw West Palm Beach, FL band Surfer Blood in the mix and now we are grouping together my current favorite bands. ENTER: Psychic Summer, Triptides’ first full-length LP from the indie label Beach Tapes.
I was intrigued by this group after a discovery via bandcamp. Their EP Tropical Dreams was a natural extension of the sound I’ve been digging from the aforementioned Surf Pop circuit. After hearing Tropical Dreams, I could not believe that this band had escaped me. Upon research and investigation I came to the shocking discovery that this music had not originated in a state where a sunburns are as common as parking tickets. These guys were from my home state. These guys were from Bloomington, Indiana.
Psychic Summer is a group of songs that defines hard work, dedication, and authenticity. Opening tracks “Going Under” and “Pier” help display their sound but also underscore their improvement since the earlier EP. Triptides has not changed their formula they have only evolved it. Songs, like “Outlaw” display their dedication to simple strong guitar riffs while pairing it with effective lyrics. The line, “There will come a time when I will go way to another town, never settle down” helps to display the nomadic message of Triptides.
It is no coincidence that this band from Bloomington, IN is debuting their album in San Diego, Fullerton and Santa Cruz, California. Their roots come from 2,100 miles away but you’d never be able to tell upon discovery. I respect their wandering toes and dedication to find their niche. It takes a novelist’s eye to find a seam in indie rock. Triptides is a sailor’s step in front. Buy their album for $4 here:
Written by @IndyMcGrath
Thought on Tracks 