Spraynard
Funtitled
AsianMan Records/ifyoumakeit.com
2011
Hot on the heels of a raw yet impressive debut, Spraynard arrive with its followup “Funtitled”,
their first for respected indie label Asian Man Records. The first record was a scrappy yet lovable selection of songs that more than tipped its hat to now departed favourites Latterman. Spraynards vocals are melodic yet throaty and its music your standard punk affair. After such a promising start it will be interesting to see whether the band can build on it or fall victim to the dreaded second album syndrome that plagues so many bands. Below is a track by track run through of what to expect:
I Care Not: A brief intro of strange funhouse music is replaced by bass and drums which are soon joined by a dreamy sounding guitar. Spraynard seem to be combining the bright and breezy pop-punk musicianship of mid 90’s Asian Man bands like the Queers with the strained, whisky drenched vocals found in new school bands like Iron Chic. As this short song reaches its crescendo the singer’s vocal chords sound as if they’re already at breaking point.
The Denver Bronco’s vs. The Denver Bronco’s: The song begins with a rat-a-tat-tat drum beat, a prominent bassline and a clean sounding guitar. The song provides the listener with impassioned gang sing-along’s and contains introspective lyrics about boredom and a lack of self worth. What is already apparent is that this band is not afraid to wear its collective heart on its sleeve.
O.R. They?: After beginning with a wistful intro that reminds one of the last days of summer the song picks up the pace when the band decides to utilize power chords and a chugging rhythm. The
half sung, half shouted vocals are as passionate as ever and provide an interesting counterpoint to some light and airy breakdowns.
We’re Pretty Nice Guys: The vocals are reigned in a little on this short number and are much the better for it. Spraynard’s singer’s vocals and melodic capabilities are showcased much better when he isn’t going hell for leather. It turns out he has a pretty decent voice and vocal range to go with his unquestionable fervour and zeal.
Ah, Gun: This song is a real ripper and clocking in at only 1 minute and 30 seconds long it is over before you know it. The lyrics are, once again, as introspective as anything coming out of the emo stable, evidenced by the line; ‘The more I age the more I seem to stay the same.’ The good thing about Spraynard’s approach to the genre is that the band seems to embrace all the rough edges in a way that recalls the classical emo of early Rights of Spring rather than the overproduced mall-punk emo of today.
Damn You, A Box: The song begins with an accapella intro from the lead vocalist, whose voice sounds like its being transmitted through a mobile phone. After this introductory lament the song
mutates into a mid tempo rock number with the singer’s voice once more straining at the seams. The vocals ooze passion and honesty, no question, but I worry for the state of the guy’s throat after attacking this belter.
Spooky Scary: The band gives it their all once more on this punk stomper. The rhythms are stop start with some quieter moments juxtaposed against that now familiar caterwaul. Spraynard prove
themselves adept at switching from zero to hundred when the situation calls for it and pummelling the listener with a glorious wall of sound.
Homies Where the Heart Is: Spraynard pick up the pace once more with this hardcore inflected number. Musically it isn’t all that different from the songs that preceded it but frenetic blast
beat drum patterns give the song rapidity and bite.
Quite Exciting, This Computer Magic: It is without doubt that Spraynard are treading that now all too familiar Latterman-core path with the likes of Iron Chic, Calvinball, RIVR and the rest. Their slightly off key, slightly off kilter sing-along’s suggest a much older and much more road weary band. I’m not sure if lyrics about being burnt out on music really belong on a band’s softmore full
length.
Not Good Enough Gary: Drums and guitars are accompanied by squealing feedback which rears its head and regular intervals that brings a slight noise rock element to this rock song. This song
is a much more meditative and mid tempo with soaring vocals and a much catchier melody. The song ends with guitar chords being struck over the excited murmur of a party. One of the best songs on the record!
Joe Gallagher’s Fantasy Fun Camp: More of the same musically but the lyrics carry a seed of hope unlike the often maudlin reflections contained within the previous jams.
Verdict: This is a solid and promising, if unspectacular Asian Man Records debut from these earnest and impassioned young punks. Opinion remains divided about the oversaturation of
Latterman influenced bands permeating the scene, but if you’re a fan of that cluster of bands and that style of playing you are sure to find plenty to love here. Spraynard certainly don’t break any new ground but that’s not to say that this record doesn’t contain heart, soul and plenty of guile. The record is also available free over at the excellent ifyoumakeit.com so you won’t have to spend
anything making your own minds up about which side of the post-Latterman fence you fall on.
Score: 7/10
For Fans of: Latterman, Iron Chic, Calvinball, The Swellers
BadIdeaDan for MLM