An ode to the past, a nod to the future
When people think of great music capitals, cities like Nashville and Los Angeles immediately come to mind–not so much anything in the midwest. Shy Boys, the five-piece indie pop band from Kansas City, are aiming to change that. The five boys include brothers Collin and Kyle Rausch and their friends Konnor Ervin, Kyle Little and Ross Brown. Despite labeling themselves as shy, the boys aren’t holding back with their music. Their sound on their sophomore album Bell House is fun, bright and cleanly produced. Naturally, the band’s abundant use of harmonies draws comparisons to The Beach Boys, but they aren’t simply a carbon copy nor is there music straight out of a ‘60s pop record; they put their own modern spin on it.
The 79-second opener, “Miracle Gro,” shows off a simpler side of the boys’ style. Their Beach Boys-esque harmonies glide through their metronome-esque claps, no other instruments are heard. “Take The Doggie” is immediately more upbeat and witty with dancing drums and centers around the memories of a childhood neighbor’s mistreated dog with lyrics like, “I dropped my food on the ground / It’s sad how quickly you scarf it down.” “Tragic Loss,” much like the title, is a slightly darker tune. Even the beginning guitar strums are eerie before a brighter beat jumps in. Again, the boys sing of their youth but now also reflect on the larger picture, musing “Childhood was easy… think of what a tragic loss would have done to me.”
The energy is dialed down on some of the tracks, but the ‘60s vibe persists. “No Fun” is slow and soothing as piano keys softly twinkle, harmonious hummings waltz and an eerie synth medley closes out the song. “Disconnect” is smooth and even leans toward jazz. The title track is the longest on the album, sitting at three minutes and 45 seconds. Shy Boys show off their expert production skills as layers upon layers of sounds are perfectly pieced together on this enticing, slightly melancholy tune.
While some tracks are upbeat and some are tender, previously released single “Evil Sin” sits somewhere in the middle of the two categories. The tune of could fit in on a Christmas album, but the lyrics tell another story. Once again, Shy Boys test out their storytelling skills and are now recounting the tale of a theft, singing “But instead you gave me lies / Told me something went awry / Lips moving at the speed of light.”
“Something Sweet” is truly a reflection of its title and a standout on the album. Cheerful guitar and strong harmonies dance rhythmically, and the infectious song will effortlessly put a smile on the listener’s face. “Champion” closes out the album as a clean and cute tune which serves as a tribute to the Rausch siblings’ mother. They sing of childhood memories with anecdotal lyrics like, “When I would run up and down the block / You’d lie and tell me I was fast / Just to see me smile,” but also sing of their present thoughts in the chorus, chanting, “No I won’t forget you now / Though it may be unspoken / Though it’s not enough to make up for wasted time.” The bittersweet tune is full of love, life and personality and paints a beautiful picture to close off the album.
The ten tracks on Bell House are quick and fun but are still to be taken seriously. The band sings of the little things in life through witty anecdotes while also showing off their wisdom when singing about the larger picture. Each track was clearly produced with a passion for music and knowledge of how it can evolve.
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