By Rube Ambler
I have to admit I have a soft spot for certain musical genres, among them blues, stoner rock, rockabilly, and garage rock. Evidence of that is when I punch out a quick post noting shows by bands like Nebula or Psycho DeVilles. I’ll be the first to admit that none of these sounds are groundbreaking. They are all familiar and hook-laden, but that doesn’t make me like them less.
The sonic similarities among the purveyors of any of these genres can make it difficult for some listeners to discern the good from the bad. It’s not that hard for the average hipster to say, “I’ve never heard anything quite like this before so [chamber pop, chillwave, insert trend of your choice here] is really great and something you need to hear.” It seems to me a bit harder to separate proverbial wheat from the chaff when the sounds are tried and true. And Harlem is a garage band, tried and true.
Every one of the 16 tracks on Hippies
The move to a major independent label, Matador Records, has taken nothing off their edge. The production is rough and live. The guitars jangle and buzz. The feedback cannot be held at bay as Michael Coomers and Curtis O’Mara trade vocal flourishes from track to track.
“Gay Human Bones” is likely to be a fan favorite but there are some sleepers in here that get better with each play. “Stripper Sunset” is unmatched in its pure garaginess (can I say that?). The feedback cannot be controlled and the jumble of guitars and drums expectedly break down in just under two minutes. “Tila & I” brings back the melody with a nice little riff and a refrain that will sneak into your brain and lodge itself there.
In total, this record is exactly what you might expect as the follow up to last year’s Free Drugs ;-)
Harlem‘s Hippies will be in stores tomorrow. Check out Decatur CD and Criminal Records to get yours.
Harlem play the Earl on April 15.
Listen: Harlem – Friendly Ghost
