This review was supposed to go up on Friday. However, I spent much of Friday pretty severely hungover thanks to an incredible night at DK Sushi on N. Lamar. I hesitate to even broadcast about this place in such a public forum for fear that it become too popular, but from 8-10 every Thursday it turns into the raunchiest, rockin-est karaoke bar I’ve ever experienced (and I know my karaoke). The sake was flowing, and a crowd of strangers was bonding over favorites from Ke$ha, Usher and Eminem. It was amazing how that shared experience of popular music crossed over any other boundaries we may have had. I don’t know any of the political leanings of anyone there, or if I might find them to be complete bores, but for those two hours, they were the best company I could ask for.
And this is the important role that pop music plays in our lives. It’s a common cultural touchstone. It allows for release and joy. And while I love and need music that challenges me in various ways, sometimes I prefer the stuff that goes down smooth. And this is where bands like The Soldier Thread come into play. They are not (yet) the cultural common space of a Maroon 5 or a The Fray, but they go down smooth. They did crack the top 75 of iTunes’ Rock charts late last week, though, and their EP release party at Stubb’s this Saturday is already sold out, with fans offering to pay three times face value for a ticket. So the popularity of this independent band is rising.
The Soldier Thread - 'No Parachutes'They’ve already made a splash in this area with the great single, “Anybody”, and now they are releasing The Bull – a five-song EP that shows that “Anybody” was far from a fluke. Where Patrica Lynn’s vocals sounded precious and almost fragile in “Anybody” (to nice emotional effect), she sounds strong and full all across The Bull. Closer “We’re Not Going Down,” for example, is a lavish ballad that sees Lynn really exploring her range with conviction. However, “No Parachutes” is an example of what this band does best. It’s in fifth gear for two solid minutes, driving forward and emulating what I imagine it would feel like to be “just falling through the air.” In fact, each of these five tracks does contemporary pop-rock the way it should be done: loud, ringing guitars, gritty synthesizers and propulsive drumming. And oh, the hooks!
If you’re looking for the next tUnE-yArDs or St. Vincent albums, you may not be satisfied by this. But if you go to karaoke and sing the Killers, or if you turn up Neon Trees when they come on the radio, then you will not be disappointed by this. And if there’s any justice, these guys will be replacing crap like Nickelback, Chevelle and Evanescence at the top of that iTunes rock chart soon enough.
– Carter
If you like this artist, you may be interested in:
The Shears
Suite 709
SPEAK
Check them out.