Spiral Beach is a quartet out of Toronto. The Only Really Thing is their second album. They have a thick layer of retro in their sound. Some of this comes from the arrangements, but the bulk arises from the heavier reverb, a bit of noise in the mix, and the tight, paired vocal arrangements. With an aesthetic that's informed by the Go Go's, the B-52's and Debbie Harry, it's a fun, punky, new wave with a taste of danceable pop.
In a tie for best song of the album, Raising the Snake and May Go Round (In a Mania) each have a bit of Bollywood soundtrack groove. The arrangements feel quite foreign (Dengue Fever anyone). Raising the Snake sounds a bit like Ghost Town by the Specials, with a spooky groove and ska beat along with the choral effect on the vocal. It ends with some Pink Floyd spaciness. This feeds immediately into the club beat intro of May Go Round. This has a similar scale driven, foreign sound but a lot more frantic B-52's in the vocals.
There's plenty to back these songs. The disco drive of Cemetery features a Debbie Harry style vocal and shimmery guitars. A little syrup in the keyboard string sound, but not overdone. Domino sounds like the B-52's jamming on the theme to The Munsters. A driving beat, surf/garage guitars, and tight vocal harmonies all fit together. These songs sound like they need to be heard live.
The closer, Shake the Chain, has an old, old Tom Waits influenced sound. Moody and jazzy, singer Maddy Wilde evokes a weary chanteuse vibe which fits the song perfectly.
Pour me a gin and tonic and I'll tap my foot to this retro groove (but not totally living in the past).
Other listening recommendations:
B-52's Planet Clair
Dengue Fever, Ethanopium
Tom Waits, Hang On Saint Christopher, Shore Leave
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