Album Review: Real Estate ‘Days’
As the leaves fall and the gloves fill we all have a hand in what musical selections will provide us with a certain warmth to carry us through this rigorous routine. My blanket has been an unbelievable pairing offered to me prior to this full wardrobe transition. Witness the effort of a band that has continued to build their resume with their latest release.
Days is a snap shot of a band that has done nothing but progress since its inception. Real Estate’s initial introduction to us came in the form of their 2009 EP Reality. They quickly followed it up in that same year with their self-titled release that offered us singles such as “Beach Comber,” which quickly grabbed control of our seasonal moods. I was convinced that this was a group of Jersey beach residents with a vision of summertime blues baked by rays. To add to their credentials and beach feel, guitarist, Mathew Mondanile III released his unbelievably radical side-project, at the beginning of this year with Ducktails III: Arcade Dynamics. The song that took off from his release was “Killin the Vibe,” but it hardly did that for their musical career.
Having the sense to pivot and persevere is essential for any artist, but Real Estate has found a way to take this theme to the next level. Their ability to transition with the seasons is why I enjoy Days so much. At first glace I was convinced that they were a beach band, but once I have filled the plate for second helpings I realize that they have made my fall comfortable.
“It’s Real” is not only one of my favorite songs of the year, but also one of my favorite videos. If you are an indie rock / dog lover like me this will give you the warm fuzzys. Check it out HERE.
“Out of Tune” was the first song that I heard from this album and it projected the vibe of this album effectively: In no solid state / You know we can’t cop to / The frequency of your inner debate / It was all out of tune / You’re entering this town / Yourself a weeping clown /You play along to songs written for you / But you’re all out of tune / You’re all out of tune”
The introduction to dissonance on this release has allowed changed my perception of this band. Song, “Green Aisles” does its job to assist with their transition to the fall season: Under dormant trees / Under bright lit skies / Mountains of maple leaves / Standing side by side
It is this sedentary message that inspired me to bloom and search for a moment to capture one of my favorite albums live. I glanced into the calendar of Real Estate in attempt to see them during my brief holiday off-season at work. Much to my surprise I realized they were playing in Lexington, KY this Saturday in one of the final shows of their Fall tour.
Seasonal vibes kicked in and decisions were made. A trip to Kentucky is justified this weekend. An opportunity to recognize a progression before the snow falls and the ice thickens. See you Saturday Real Estate, only a couple of Days.
Written by Brett McGrath
Band to Watch: The Grand Nationals
Here is your introduction to a band that toes the Pennsylvania / New Jersey state line, The Grand Nationals. They list Springsteen, Dylan, Simon, and Costello as their influences while leaning heavily on a rabid fiddler named Sammy Barnes.
The Grand Nationals is the new project fronted by Adam Honeycutt and Ian Bennett. Honeycutt was the co-writer in the group Like Lions for their entire six-year history (2004-09), while Bennett fronted the alternative rock group We Are Castles (2006-09). The two also worked together co-producing each others respective groups throughout the years.
The group is rounded out by Sammy Barnes on fiddle and Jason Harris (We Are Castles, Like Lions) on bass. It also features Andy Keenan on pedal steel. Their first album(produced by Honeycutt and Bennett) is in its final stages and will be available this fall.
The Grand Nationals released Tennessee Rain on June 16 of this year. You can buy their album HERE. This is another noteworthy release from the Alt Country genre that this blog has quickly been covering daily. The fall brings power to the fiddle and what better ways to close out this post then a Hoosier Spotlight.
Grand Nationals fiddler, Sammy Barnes is a good friend of this blog and a true owner of his musical vision. While in high school, Barnes wowed crowds with his extraordinary artistic talents. Whether it was fiddle, guitar, or piano, Barnes was going to impress you. I am lucky to have been able to follow Barnes pursuit of music as a career closely. Upon high school graduation, Sam and I both chose DePauw University where he majored in the School of Music showcasing his talents to another student body. He quickly became a school legend showing up at parties to get down with wannabe musicians like me.
Sam was gracious enough to send us a clip of him getting down on some improv much like he did in college. Enjoy and best of luck Grand Nationals!
Written by Brett McGrath
Video: Jessica Lea Mayfield Visits WNRN
Ohio native Jessica Lea Mayfield recently stopped by Charlottesville, VA’s WNRN. While there she sported dark locks and darker subject matter, performing “Somewhere in Your Heart” from her February release Tell Me. Watch the video below. Read our review of Tell Me.
Written by Rob Peoni
Thought on Tracks 