Under favorable conditions, an EP can be considered a band’s prologue of sorts. In November of 2011, one such exordium was made available for examination. “Big Broom” was the initial body of work from Van Nuys sextet, RACES. Lending an ear to the story recounted by a band that essentially, was hurriedly assembled as an opening act by guitarist and lead vocalist Wade Ryff, turns out to be a solid investment. On March 27th, with the release of an LP entitled, Year of the Witch, dangling threads will be knotted, and the story complete. The choral spirits of Fleet Foxes and Other Lives are effectively interwoven with a strong bass presence, and Ryff’s vocal urgency incites speculation about what Dylan may have sounded like had he been born in late 80′s southern California. Ryff, Garth Herberg (guitar), Devon Lee (percussion/vox), Breanna Wood (piano/vox), Oliver Hild (bass/synth), and Lucas Ventura (drums/percussion) have brought to life a period piece about life as a twentysomething that manages not to be trite. Hardships, disappointment, and disillusionment peculiar to youth and inexperience are here. But, perhaps the biggest staple binding the work together are the moments of undeniable positivity. The songs contained within RACES’ Year of the Witch are chapters that evoke a sharp, real sense of the moments they depict. Its poignancy guarantees it a prominent position on a virtual bookshelf; a position familiar to those with questions, and those who have their answers. Read on for an interview with RACES.
Read More…»
Share and Enjoy
