Shadowparty

構成数 : 1枚
合計収録時間 : 00:00:00
Boasting an impressive pedigree, rock supergroup ShadowParty channel the '80s new wave/synth pop spirits of their main gigs and update them for the 21st century on their eponymous debut. The band -- whose core quartet features vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Josh Hager (the Rentals, Devo), vocalist/keyboardist/guitarist/bassist Tom Chapman (Bad Lieutenant, New Order), guitarist Phil Cunningham (Marion, New Order), and drummer Jeff Friedl (Devo) -- sticks close to the sounds of New Order, executing with bright synths, elastic bass, and detached vocals, while sprinkling in the dark digital grooves of Joy Division and Depeche Mode ("Reverse the Curse"), as well as the anthemic glee of Primal Scream (whose onetime vocalist Denise Johnson contributes to six tracks on ShadowParty, including "Vowel Movement"). Instead of coming across as a group trapped in a different decade, ShadowParty are more a veteran band updating their own sound through the filter of a younger, more spry outfit, like New Order or Bauhaus covering the Killers or Editors, especially evident on songs like "Celebrate" and "Taking Over." Elsewhere, ShadowParty dip into Brit pop on "Sooner or Later" -- which sounds like the Verve blessed by the Beatles and Bowie -- and a little dream pop, like on the expansive, string-drenched "Even So," one of two tracks to feature Verve guitarist Nick McCabe. For fans of this particular era, ShadowParty's debut offers welcome satisfaction, breathing new life into the familiar with fresh ideas and a freedom unhindered by the burden of the beloved acts from which they originated. ~ Neil Z. Yeung