When you check a shitload of music every week to uncover the gems, it’s inevitable that you start to develop efficiency heuristics. Band name, art work and the associated record label are often pretty diagnostic of whether I will like a release or not. Call those the first line of discovery. Once I press play, I have this rule of thumb that the first two songs are crucial for my decision to write about a band or not – in practice: whether I put the release in my “give it another go” playlist. Most artists, especially in our current short attention span world frontload their records, starting with their best, most accessible and/or most seductive songs. It’s a smart move, it draws listeners in who hopefully stay for the remainder of the record. Are the high expectations always met? Of course not. But still, the strategy is more likely to pay off than starting with songs that are atypical of your band’s sound, songs that are too subtle to be appreciated in a first tasting.
There are exceptions to the rule though. Enter Somewhere Down Below, the new Gaadge LP that is out now on Crafted Sounds (LP) and Michi Tapes (CS). The Pittsburgh band didn’t exactly blow me away with their opening tracks. I almost turned to the next release, but then Candy Colored kicked in. The third song on the album had a ’90s britpop feel to it, or a Dazy vibe as a more recent reference point . From there on out, Gaadge drew me in with their exciting somewhat unhinged mix of styles. Somewhere Down Below is all over the place, but in a good way. It’s probably safest to describe it as alternative rock or noise pop, but honestly, it’s so diverse that each song need its own label to fully to the record justice. Pick a random indie rock style (shoegaze, slacker etc.) and you’ll find something to point at on Somewhere Down Below. Do I care for all 34 minutes of this record? No, but its ebb and flow is a huge part of why I enjoy it so much. Gaadge sure is one exciting band to experience!
Add to wantlist: Bandcamp || Crafted Sounds