I hesitate to describe this band as the latest vehicle for the ever-prolific Ali Edmonds, but there’s no denying that her contribution to Heavy Beach’s debut six-track EP outshines that of her bandmates. There’s enough paeans to the ‘90s in her repertoire (Little Athletics, Damn Terran) to give some clue as to what to expect here, while her singing has obviously benefited from a solid 18 months of solo performances around town.
There’s some interesting things going on here. Standout number Five Days is catchily reminiscent of Magic Dirt at their hot mess ’96 best, but the track sounds incongruous next to what are otherwise mostly down-tempo songs. This is likely the product of a lengthy recording process drawn out over the year. However If Five Days is any indication of where the band is headed, give us more, pretty please!
The drums are a bit of a disappointment. Mark Renall’s stripped down kit doesn’t lend itself to anything outlandish, which probably works a lot better live than it does on the record. Bass player Clayton Pegus has accordingly kept the rhythm section subdued in the mix, and in places this seems to inhibit his own adventurousness. The exception being the rollicking closing track Warm Shadows, where his contribution is the highlight.
Ali’s got a great voice, but It’s a shame it is double-tracked on parts of the EP – particularly on opener 1963. The track is already laden with subtle synth work and an acid flashback guitar tone, but as previously mentioned, the gap between this and the rather sparse track that follows it is maybe a little big. Perhaps there lies a clue as to where Heavy Beach will take their sound next: they’ll either work out how to reconcile the jarring fluctuation between the understated and the saturated, or they’ll run off in one direction or the other. In any event, whatever these three put out next will be amazing.
BY SEAN SANDY DEVOTIONAL
Best Track: Five Days
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: Passover THE BLACK ANGELS, Young And Full Of The Devil MAGIC DIRT
In A Word: Promising
