A perfect blend of two different musical minds
Corvair is ready to showcases their distinct combination of talents on this self-titled debut album. With lush instrumental soundscapes, the album is filled with a mixture of ’70s, ’80s and ’90s influences from the ever-present synths to flavorful vocals throughout. Influences for the record range from Cheap Trick and ELO to Metric and The Carpenters, as well as many other ’80s and ’90s innovators.
Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Heather Larimer of Eux Autres and Brian Naubert of Ruston Mire, Tube Top and other projects came together in 2019 to create Corvair and immediately began the development of this project. Though this super duo may be a part of a combined 20 different musical projects, this self-titled album Corvair is the duo’s first project together. They have been long-time friends for awhile, watching each other’s successes within other projects from afar, but now have fortunately found the right moment to come together and deliver a sound that is entirely new and different.
The main single from the album is “Green (Mean Time),” a look at the experience of forced self-reflection. Larimer stated that the song came about during spring, when the pandemic was just getting into full swing. The song captures that feeling of being stuck inside while the world seems to be wholly reforming and folding in on itself. It features a cosmic chugging guitar, joined by vocal harmonies from the pair that reflect a Metric influence.
“Sunday Runner,” an absolute powerhouse of a track, packs just the right punch from the start. The duo shows off their perfect harmonies alongside a high-energy instrumental soundscape with a strong Police vibe and an indie rock twist. “Paladin” offers a fun indie rock bop with driving drums, some overdriven guitar and a flirtatious synth that frequently pops in and out. The vocals at the beginning catch the ears off-guard as they flow in an operatic tone, but they are quickly overtaken by the rest of the instrumentation. Larimer’s main vocals and Naubert’s harmonies are extremely soothing and act as a perfect balance with that instrumentation. The song is worth sticking around for, as in the middle, it breaks down with an epic guitar solo where the long floating vocals from the beginning once again join in. “Paladin” is a beautiful mixture of proper ’90s vocals and a ’70s-esque instrumental soundscape.
Near the end of the album is “Focus Puller,” a genuinely vulnerable ballad. This track stands out by dropping the duo into a stripped-down rendition of themselves. Also, this track is filled with a plethora of strings, synths and subtle percussive elements that work beautifully with the airy vocals. It all has a but of a resemblance to Nirvana. But don’t let the ballad tone of the song fool the ear, the pair bring the song to its close by bringing back the beating drums and high gain guitars while some how remaining in that same state of vulnerability.
Corvair’s self-titled debut album Corvair is a beautiful medley of two well-established artists and their personal flavors and blended stylistic tendencies. Though it may not be what either member of the duo would normally produce on their own, the album features all-new tones and influences from the ’70s all the way to today. This is a project with something vast and emotional for every listener.
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