Promising young band and their debut release:
Green Tape falls squarely into the stoner/psychedelic camp- things don’t get too hurried, there’s plenty of space to feel and to reflect and to experience, plenty of floaty keyboards and blues-tinged guitar work.
It was released March 30, 2018.
The Players:
Gordon Hall – Guitar/Keys/Percussion
Ryan Hayes – Drums/Percussion
Austin Hughes – Bass/Guitar
I don’t know who does vocals- he/they don’t get too affected or dynamic, opting instead for unadorned and honest tones. This might be a growing edge for the band, as a singer with more expression and passion could take them to a new level.
The Tracks:
Nothing Really Matters: There might be a bit of a concept in the lyrical content of these tracks- perhaps something about hope, love, search, personal insecurity and vulnerability.
The first track brings wistful, melancholy bluesy guitar, and midway, a shift into the distance, almost like listening through headphones you don’t have on your head…
Endless Cycle: Nice laid-back vibe starting this instrumental track, and the changes keep things interesting. Somebody has a good feel for contrasts and musicality.
All in My Mind: Here, the lyrics show a feel for what is thoughtful, meaningful-
“These are the times i lose my head
the hopes that i wreck
the sins i consume
it’s all in my mood”
They seem germane to the music, not added on or forced. And midway through the track, a cool change.
Asteroid:
My current favorite- just the sort of floaty keyboards, not *quite* mellotron, but suggests it- and lazy guitar over the top of it. Then moving into some sizzling synths in this mellow, leisurely track.
No Way Out: IF there’s a concept, it MIGHT be this unexpected, short, piano/voice track helps move it along.
Otherwise, this might be misplaced and unnecessary.
Follow the Trends: (and the hidden track you find if you are patient: “True Love”?)
The closing track opens with brooding guitar moving into some brief but tasty synth textures. There are intriguing sound effects that go on a bit too long seeming to denote either a bad trip, or a nightmare, or both.
An alarm clock brings a change, and there are again intriguing musical shifts including a few nearly heavy passages. I was reminded of some jam bands from back in the day, and sometimes “Ummagumma”.
The “hidden track” is a sort of charming closing, that brings some sweetness and hope- first with acoustic guitar and voice, then some lovely vocal harmonies.
Some real promise and some room for growth
I rate this debut a leisurely, laid-back three asteroids, with maybe some added space matter here and there adding value and heft.
The promise is that this band shows strength in song-writing, honesty, authenticity, heart, and realistic sense of their identity.
The room for growth includes the vocal work which is adequate but nothing more yet, and also trimming some fat overall to make the tunes leaner and more cohesive.
Progressive Rock Fanatics 