Redspencer
Perks
(Deaf Ambitions)
3/5
While Redspencer is based in Melbourne, Australia, the indie-pop band’s members grew up in northern New South Wales; the influence of that area’s sunny weather can be heard from the first chord on Perks. This, Redspencer’s debut album, is the perfect soundtrack for day trips in the summer, gazing at the horizon with no intention of going anywhere.
The songs tend to blend together, but it works, and the band doesn’t try any spectacular vocal acrobatics, which suits their style.
The title track is filled with lulling guitar riffs and syrupy vocals, with lyrics mulling over existential matters. The single “Fuss” has wavy synths to complement the muddy guitar work running through the track; it’s got thoughtful lyrics, like “When you realize you’ve got nothing to hide/you won’t be uptight,” to boot.
“Interlude” provides an intense contrast; it replaces the laid-back attitude with fast-paced synthesizer beats and ethereal vocals; these give me a vivid image of a time-lapse video of Times Square at night.
The more upbeat “Gary” gives an early-U2 vibe (although more mellow than that band) with its deep bass lines, pulsing drumbeats, and jarring guitar closing.
This album is a relaxed piece of pop, best heard while cruising on the highway in July; get it now, and save it for then.
-Felicia Santarossa
Rykka
Beatitudes
(Cordova Bay Records)
3/5
Rykka’s second album, Beatitudes, is an energetic alternative pop disc with electronic beats flowing throughout.
The Vancouver-born Canadian-Swiss artist’s music feels just as international as she is, with some songs sounding more at home in Canada’s music scene and others radiating their Euro-pop aura.
The entire album is fun and easy to listen to; it’s one of those albums that you can put on random and be satisfied with any of the songs that start playing.
The lyrics are modern and Rykka’s voice is beautiful, but, unfortunately, some of the songs overuse their electronic elements. The acoustic version of the track “Movies” is the better of the two versions included on the album; however, the original is still great, and makes me feel like dancing every time it starts playing.
Beatitudes is a strong album that would sound great either at a party with some friends or live in concert.
– Jennifer Wyatt