Sunday, January 12, 2014

NORTHERN AMERICAN: "Wander"

Rating: Single
Label: Heist/Hit Records 2014
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom

Northern American from L.A. U.S. of A. are equal parts goofy modern pop and lush west coast melodies of the past. According to the record label write-up, they're supposed to be influenced by classic rock such as The Doors and The Byrds?? But seriously as well as honestly. I could not find a single shred of evidence of such elements within these tracks? Keeping in mind it's merely their brand new single displaying the two tracks of, "Wander", and the b-side of "Record Forever".

Nonetheless, it's basic arrangements based on a simple beat, lushy soft grand piano, atmospheric keyboards, and it's more towards the everlasting question of, what if Mick Hucknall (Simply Red) decided to fly to L.A. and record an chill out west coast album with trippy contemporary acts such as Autolux or Local Natives? In fact, the unpredictable percussion breaks and overall smooth attitude of the band has certainly more in common with The Doobie Brothers (Yacht Rock) and early nineties trip-pop rather than The Doors and The Byrds? These songs are for the most part, sedate and low key with lush soundscapes and the very laidback approach.

Sold out shows at Silverlake Lounge as well as local festivals and great response from L.A. radio stations gets the ball rolling for the lads. They are currently in the studio preparing their debut full-length, slated for release this summer, the band have started working with Local Natives produced Raymond Richards. Contemporary and modern trip-pop, lounge, yacht music? Why not?
http://www.northernamerican.us/
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