A new maxi-single release from Reservations at 8 brings on a very full-bodied and sonically driving grunge and punk rock mix, and it all comes through with definitive energy and a vast sort of heaviness that beckons classic heavy rock songs of the late 90s and early 2000s from the underground.
The first of the two tracks is called "Come Around" and comes right in with a melodic but edgy riff that sets the tone for what you're about to hear. This record boasts such an electric energy that it feels almost like the songs will record it right there live on the floor and it puts you in the moment because of that.
There is something very nostalgic about this record and I think it has a lot to do with the songwriting and the tone of the guitars as well because those two things combine give off that classic run style feel but there is plenty of punk undertones on both of these tracks as well so you can hear those influences coming through on both songs and different sections.
Again, that energy level is part of the addiction of these tracks, and what really gives them this massive drive is that they are completely unstoppable from beginning to end.
The drums are slamming, the guitars are thrashing and wild but still very melodic and vast, and the vocals add an enthusiastic layer of texture to everything and a great layer of melody as well.
This was done with attention to detail but it never loses this sort of personality and heart that it begins with and that may be the most important part of the entire thing.
Everything you hear is hard-hitting and again, very sonically driving. However, it also has a great pop coating to it, so it comes through just as colorful as it does edgy, and I think that's a brilliant combination, especially for a band with such a youthful approach.
Both of these songs make you want to jump around the room, sing along, head bang, and put your fists in the air and I think that is part of why it feels so much like a live performance.
The follow-up track is called "Not So Easy St." and this one, to me, boasts much more of a punk rock feel and even attitude at times.
Of the two songs, I feel like this one's catchier. The vocal melody really gives a lot of depth to the song and that added hook that it needs, even during the verses.
I love songs where even the verses have catchy vocals.
When you listen to these songs you can easily tell that this is coming from a band who has a real love for their craft and when I say that, I don't just mean playing their instruments and singing, I mean writing songs together to put out to the world so everyone can jump around together to them.
Listening to this record first thing in the morning is amazing because it puts you in such a mood for the day that anything that comes at you feels a little less than. You can simply handle more of your day if you listen to these tracks first-thing.
It all puts you in a very good mood and these songs are musically extremely uplifting.
This was an endlessly fun release, and I feel like it showcases the band's ability to write songs that are heavy but catchy at the same time and give off huge levels of character and personality to boot.
That's the kind of thing you don't come across often and these guys aren't reinventing the wheel by any means, but they are doing their own thing and having a good time doing so.
Because of that, the music is infectious and you feel that spirit in the music and that's what you end up holding on to.
So all in all, I would say it's a very spirited grunge and punk record that comes through with a youthful and anthemic approach, and these guys crushed the aesthetic the whole time.
Take a listen to this record when you can and don't be afraid to turn it nice and loud.
Remember where you heard it first.
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