Review: The Vinyl EP
A few weeks ago, Sam had the pleasure of catching The Vinyl at the Auricle in Canton. After her glowing review of the show, I had to check them out. They’re releasing their debut EP on Tuesday (July 24) on iTunes and Bandcamp.
The Vinyl’s self-titled debut EP is sure to make a splash in the area. Engineer/Producer Bryan Patrick at Jungle Studio in Lorain provides one hell of a polished recording, which is nice to hear from a debut release. While the EP has a lot of ups and downs in tempo, dynamic and mood, it maintains consistency so that the band can build their own distinct sound.
The EP starts out with “Never The Same.” With a drum beat that manages to be sparse and urgent at the same time and a chord progression that just begs to be resolved, it’s a tense opener. This song is a great choice to open the EP, as it hints at the wide dynamic of the EP as a whole — laid back but building up right onto the border of letting loose, only crossing that line at the very end.
The next track, “Machine,” is more upbeat, nearly getting into Death Cab for Cutie territory but pulling back in to the band’s established sound. The bridge and close of the song is pretty cool, as it takes a definite turn into post rock while still maintaining the melody.
“You Already Know” demonstrates the dynamic range, with the first minute and a half consisting of just singer Sam Shaffer and a couple guitars, and then the full band running on all cylinders for the remainder. “Savannah” starts out as sunny and upbeat as the name might suggest, but turns into one of the EPs more lead guitar-driven tracks, with two guitar riffs twirling around each other in a way that would make some Built to Spill fans perk up.
“Dog Daze” is a busy number, with some syncopated drumming and two guitar lines fighting for the spotlight. “Let It Go” is a fitting closer. While it doesn’t hit on the varied dynamics of the other songs, the volume swells on the lead guitar and driving rhythm guitar provide a nice atmosphere to end on. No huge, grandiose ending; just whispering guitars and Shaffer’s final line, “I will never know my own pace.”
The Vinyl EP will be available for download on iTunes and Bandcamp this Tuesday, July 24. You can check them out live at the Musica on July 27 with Miniature Tigers, Moon Men and Team Spirit.
