I
usually don’t mention the word nostalgia when writing a review, but sometimes
an exception is due. Back in 2012, Salt
Lake City’s The Weekenders unearthed their debut album
‘Don’t Plan On’ and I was approached
about possibly penning a write-up. No sooner had I pressed play and it was love
at first sight. So I immediately jumped on the chances to tell the world about
this band. Oh, it also happened to be the second or third review I ever wrote.
Hence incorporating nostalgia here, especially when word filtered through that
The Weekenders were about to release their sophomore wax ‘Bright Silence Of Night’. Naturally memories came flooding back as
the first notes began to sound, recollections of fledgling wanna-be writer
trying to do a fantastic record justice. Therefore, join me as I, again, try my
best to bring forth the beauty and the greatness of The Weekenders.
The
nucleus of the band, Rob Reinfurt – vocals, guitar – and Mike Sasich – guitar,
piano, keyboards, vocals – is intact and they show how much they’ve grown since
last time. Four years can do wonders and it has for them. Already great back
then, the music is even better now. New to the fold are Mike Torgerson and
Shaun Thomas, bass guitar and drums respectively and this newfound line-up has
gelled perfectly and elevated the band even further. ‘Escape’ is slow, meditative with THE riff leading the way. The
vocals are seductive and mesmerizing adding more nuances to the song. What I
picture in my mind is wide open spaces and vast blue skies as the band are ‘New
York Bound’. A beautiful guitar solo enhances the
autumn feel The Weekenders bring out so well. ‘The Grifter’ changes the pace and is heavy, pounding and full of
riffs. Good ol’ rock’n’roll the way it should be but shaped for 2016 and
beyond. Aaah, there’s so much swagger, attitude and oomph in ‘Cherokee Rose’ to last a lifetime.
Going for groove with those riffs – again, but who’s complaining – this
amalgamation is on point, having become a sexy beast in the process. Morning
rises slowly and beautifully on a new day. Clouds are dissipating as the sun
lets it’s rays awaken us. That’s the feeling I get from ‘Blue Hill Bay’.
Once the whole band kicks in, you deal with yet another day and with such a
wonder, all problems seem to wash away.
'Every Night A Slave' is bluesy,
delicate with mesmerizing vocals which works so well with the lyrics. A
troubled mind fighting demons every night with no respite in sight. Beautiful
guitar work! Oh yeah, there are those riffs again in ‘Monkey See’. Heavy and rocking in the verses, while being more
soulful in the choruses and it is amazing. ‘Army
Of One’ sees The Weekenders move within the electric blues frame with a
good dollop of Americana
added and it definitely spice things up. The title track, ‘Bright Silence Of Night’, transports the band into more
indie/Americana territory with a lot of balls and attitude. And I love it. It
kind of lurches and crawls creating interesting vibes. Closer ‘Awake’ is soothing, healing and
wonderful. It is just like lying awake in bed with your loved one, taking each
other in while pondering upon the beauty of life.
The
Weekenders has made the transition from a great band on their debut to an
even better band now. Their music flows so effortlessly, yet there’s so many
layers that expands by each spin. What I especially love about these guys,
apart from the great music, is that the songs have an air of driving through
open, sparsely populated areas, listening to tunes that sound like they're from days
gone by but with a modern touch. Fabulous dear wave riders, fabulous!
-Swedebeast
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