Thursday, July 10, 2014

Music Review - Harbour

Cincinnati, Ohio has never been known as a bastion of independent music. Being on the verge of Kentucky, it's often overrun with pop/country and the like, flooding it's airwaves and bars with what people in board rooms believe we should like because spreadsheets and focus groups say it is so. But there is always an exception to the rule. Harbour wants very much to be that exception. The four piece have a very upbeat and poppy feel that nonetheless clashes with most of what's been heard out of Cincinnati in the last few years (READ: since like 1986).

At first listen, Harbour plays melodic offbeat alternapop. It's important to keep in mind they play it masterfully, with a feeling of fun in every song. The beats laid down are very driving without being straight 2/4 or 4/4 dance rhythms. This drummer really likes to explore the set, laying into the hi-hat for an extension or getting tribal with the toms in verses that might be let down were those massive thumps not there. Vocally, Harbour is a bit sassy with a classic feel. Not Roy Orbison Classic, but kind of the neo-classic greaser style we see from bands like The Neighbourhood. Guitars are driving without clashing: there is a nice exchange of leads between the at least two guitars and they tend to be supported by the bass, which always holds the rhythm line. If there is one negative to this self-titled album it's the abrupt endings to many of the songs - they seem to flow on then suddenly hit a brick wall to stop dead.

Some of the stand out songs on this 14 track eponymous album include the starter track, "What I'm Looking For" (we'll ignore the intro as it's, well, an intro). This song really sets the tone for the album, upbeat and dancy (if you are into moving around like that). Another interesting track is the stripped down "Three Seasons" which features some simple drums with vocal melodies and overlays to start off, making it a pretty chill tune amongst some more frenetic tunes. Finally, "Tonight Tonight" really shows where upbeat alternapop can meet a darker side.

With a sound like this, Harbour has the possibility of putting Cincinnati on the map as a place that produces music the rest of us can enjoy. Hopefully there is a bright future for this band from Southern Ohio.

Where to find it:

RIYL: The Neighbourhood, Walk the Moon, Young the Giant

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Music Review - Bob Fera

To say Buffalo, NY is home to one of the hardest working musicians of all time is understatement. Hard work is the hallmark of this town. And Bob Fera is no exception. In fact, he is the poster boy: playing and writing music, raising about a million kids and keeping up with family life, and all while holding down a full-time job. This man is no joke.

While it started in fall of 2013, Bob Fera has managed to complete his latest, self-titled, EP. Five songs featuring mostly Bob with some close friends that often join him on stage, this EP is definitely a good sampler of the man, myth, and legend of Bob Fera.

The most poignant part of this album is the voice. Mr. Fera can create a generous number of emotions that span from awkward lover watching from afar to proud father barely containing the feeling of excitement and loss at a daughter being married. This all is accompanied with an acoustic guitar to drive each track ably and without too much redundancy. The overlay of bass and electric guitars serve to prop up the acoustic and lend it support without becoming too obsequious. Drums are a little quiet and basic. Good as a bit-part, but nothing to write home about.

The song that immediately grabs you is the fourth track, "Watch You Fly". With some metaphor, it could be applied to lots of things, but it's clear this is a song from a father to a daughter. Well-written and thought out, this could be a wedding song for many looking to supplant that horrible father-daughter song John Mayer foisted upon us. Another notable is "Passing Bye Ghost" which comes off with a bit of mid-90's alt/adult contemporary feel.

While it's a short EP, Bob Fera will hopefully find some time in the near future to getting us something in the LP range. In the meantime, we should enjoy what we have.

Where to find it:

RIYL: Paul Westerberg, The Gin Blossoms, Pete Yorn