Foam Castles
Bonanza
Teenarena Records
Click to hear: “Damsels”
Following last year’s side trip into acid electronica, Foam Castles returns to form with another strong batch of strummy, lo-fi indie rock. Bonanza may not entirely live up to its title, but there are more than enough choice nuggets to justify the dig.
Frankly, I expected this record to rock more. On the three previous Foam Castles albums and last year’s EP, singer/songwriter/guitarist Tyler Jackson was joined by a loose collective of musical contributors that included drummer D.J. Moore (also of Brenda), keyboardist Tyler Quist, and a couple girlfriends. The girls have since split and the project has solidified into a four-piece band consisting of Jackson, Moore, Quist and guitarist/keyboard-player Jimmy Dority.
The best songs take advantage of the extra six strings Dority provides. “My Merona” bursts from the gate and gallops into a punk chorus before falling into a trippy interlude seemingly cut from the disorienting Come Over to My House EP, but Dority’s squeaky guitar pulls the song out and over the top. The solo he rips on “It Makes Sense” takes that track to another level. But the crunchy, catchy “Damsels” begs for a screaming solo it never gets it. They should add one when they play this number live.
The languid side of Jackson’s songwriting takes the shape of songs like the dreamy and melodic “As Far As I Go,” “Summer of Cuts,” and the waltzy/schmaltzy “Parlor.” His pop sensibility shines on “Passin” and “No Air Ever.” And there’s some weird shit thrown in for good measure, like the sound-collage closer “Natural Bridges.”
The group recorded and produced this album themselves. Its homemade feel lends it charm, though most songs would benefit from a fuller sound and clearer vocals. A vinyl pressing is scheduled for release later this month. Those itching for the warmer tone of vinyl can look forward to that.
— Chris Busby
Foam Castles and Jeff Beam play a show organized by Hilly Town, with the band Higgins, on Thurs., May 3, at Empire Dine and Dance, at 9 p.m. Tix: $6 (21+). You can hear the entire album at foamcastles.bandcamp.com.
