Unlike other boroughs, brimming with hate
Though you may have heard of them for their 'prank call' to Coldplay (check it out), Brooklyn outfit Creaky Boards has far more to offer than their mischievous publicity stunts.
The sophomore release from Andrew Hoepfner’s ever-changing band is far less pompous than the dreaded British powerhouse, but every bit as important in this year’s musical landscape.
Several catchy tracks exhibit commercial possibility, especially ‘Now I’m in the City’, Hoepfner’s reflection on his life-changing move to New York City from Michigan. His voice is the guiding light on this song, bursting with the innocent excitement of being in a new place.
Vocals never tire here, from the lead to the harmonising additions of countless others. Indeed a wall of sound has been achieved here, as found in the music of Phil Spector and The Beach Boys, major influences on Hoepfner. These tunes have a vagabond quality, with jingly percussion, bells, and clops, which are key to the appeal of Creaky Boards and their brand of fun.
Creativity set ablaze with his move to the big city, Hoepfner also wrote, ‘Brooklyn’, another stellar track at once celebrating the borough and admitting defeat to some of its frustrating aspects. Refreshingly, Hoepfner opted to focus on the simpler aspects of Brooklyn, rather than the minutiae that has come to create its popular façade, such as boutiques and scene shows.
Though able to create high-spirited celebratory music, these guys also have a knack for slow numbers, as evident on closing track, ‘I’m Touching the Electric Fence’. Heartfelt, without being a cry for attention, this song encapsulates the sense of listlessness and fear that a lot of youth are steeped in. It’s here that Hoepfner’s vulnerability is apparent, especially in his admonition of not having learned from mistakes, and recognizing the flaws of his elders. It’s a haunting track, with lyrics like “my mother says I flock to scum, the same way as her dad,” and the refrain, “everyday there is a riddle in my heart, everyday I’m ending back where I start”.
Tucked towards the end of the album, is a hidden gem, ‘I’m so Serious (This Time)’. Reminiscent of a soundtrack to a retro school dance, this slow number effortlessly pokes at the tender areas of the heart while not being overly sentimental. The sax solo and castanets are extra precautions against that.
Great attention to detail has been paid here, and intelligent listeners should be grateful for not being treated like vapid music consuming machines. It's fun, but not in a disposable way. This isn't bubblegum you chew walking down the street; it's a malt you enjoy while sitting in a greasy spoon, making eyes at your sweetheart.
The sophomore release from Andrew Hoepfner’s ever-changing band is far less pompous than the dreaded British powerhouse, but every bit as important in this year’s musical landscape.
Several catchy tracks exhibit commercial possibility, especially ‘Now I’m in the City’, Hoepfner’s reflection on his life-changing move to New York City from Michigan. His voice is the guiding light on this song, bursting with the innocent excitement of being in a new place.
Vocals never tire here, from the lead to the harmonising additions of countless others. Indeed a wall of sound has been achieved here, as found in the music of Phil Spector and The Beach Boys, major influences on Hoepfner. These tunes have a vagabond quality, with jingly percussion, bells, and clops, which are key to the appeal of Creaky Boards and their brand of fun.
Creativity set ablaze with his move to the big city, Hoepfner also wrote, ‘Brooklyn’, another stellar track at once celebrating the borough and admitting defeat to some of its frustrating aspects. Refreshingly, Hoepfner opted to focus on the simpler aspects of Brooklyn, rather than the minutiae that has come to create its popular façade, such as boutiques and scene shows.
Though able to create high-spirited celebratory music, these guys also have a knack for slow numbers, as evident on closing track, ‘I’m Touching the Electric Fence’. Heartfelt, without being a cry for attention, this song encapsulates the sense of listlessness and fear that a lot of youth are steeped in. It’s here that Hoepfner’s vulnerability is apparent, especially in his admonition of not having learned from mistakes, and recognizing the flaws of his elders. It’s a haunting track, with lyrics like “my mother says I flock to scum, the same way as her dad,” and the refrain, “everyday there is a riddle in my heart, everyday I’m ending back where I start”.
Tucked towards the end of the album, is a hidden gem, ‘I’m so Serious (This Time)’. Reminiscent of a soundtrack to a retro school dance, this slow number effortlessly pokes at the tender areas of the heart while not being overly sentimental. The sax solo and castanets are extra precautions against that.
Great attention to detail has been paid here, and intelligent listeners should be grateful for not being treated like vapid music consuming machines. It's fun, but not in a disposable way. This isn't bubblegum you chew walking down the street; it's a malt you enjoy while sitting in a greasy spoon, making eyes at your sweetheart.
Creaky Boards
