Note: I updated this post May 27 after discovering that Even Keeled is not a 3-song EP, but a 9-song full length that will be out June 3rd.
When I read that LiquidLight, a four-piece band from Portland, recorded the three teaser trackers of their new album Even Keeled live at Interlace Audio without relying on overdubs or click tracks, I became even more impressed. Here’s a band that, in different line ups, have released several EPs and full lengths over the past ten years, but I hadn’t heard before. Perhaps that’s a good thing and I’m catching them at their best yet, who knows. But these three songs absolutely shred, and make me stoked about the upcoming record. Rather than live, LiquidLight sounds extremely alive on the songs. Operating on a scale that goes from college/indie rock through powerpop through punk rock, LiquidLight is loud, melodic, energetic, and emotionally intense. Frontman and bassist Anthony Medici has a killer voice and absolutely sings his heart out. The band also has a great feeling for dynamics, and seem to know perfectly when to shred and when to let their songs breathe.
On the three songs released so far from Even Keeled, Liquidlight kinda sound like a complex and accomplished blend of Guided By Voices, Replacements, Dinosaur Jr. and those ’90s punk bands opting for a more rockin’ emo sound. Listen below, and if you like it, make sure to watch the video’s of the live recordings on Youtube. Even Keeled will be out next Friday, June 3rd.
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp