A nostalgic medley
Rubber Band Gun’s LP Cashes Out has a nostalgic sound that is undeniably magnetic. The work seems as if it was taken out of the 1970s or 1980s. It’s a medley of sounds that show just how dedicated the band is to creating a sound that refuses to fit into a singular mold.
The LP has a phenomenally fun introduction with the song “My Time.” With its mid-’70s riffs and pop-inspired vocal performance, the song roars as a way to introduce such a distinctive sound to its audience. Its production acts as a fascinating homage to a bygone era. Even in its more dreary lyrics, it does not neglect understanding how to create a catchy hook for its audience. The consistent push and pull of vocal performances and bassline provide a classic sound to the beginning of this LP.
“Cash Out” seems more like an ’80s ballad. With the combination of loud, singular piano chords through a synthesizer, there is an interesting melody that underlies the song. It is a different sound with much more modern sounding vocals that shows true versatility. The ability to create a song that is more attuned to a ballad form while still maintaining one’s own voice is truly difficult, and Kevin Basko pulls it off. Instead of seeming tired or reusing tropes, the band recreated it into something modern and suitable to the current trends.
“Like That” and “Cashes A Trout” highlight the piano as an important instrument. Even if there are many elements of classic rock, its addition creates an interesting nuance that surprisingly balances the more pop elements. It is aided by the modern rock aesthetic, to the likes of 2010s pop-rock, that makes it work so well. Throughout the album, it is obvious how much talent the band has. Yet perhaps even more importantly, it sounds as if they are having incredible fun creating the music they are playing.
It is really interesting how “Fear” is much more aligned with underground rock in the 1970s, especially in the UK scene. There is an undeniable influence there, with the layered vocals, that really makes the album seem more well-rounded. Its addition does not sound out of place, yet it takes a divergence from previous tracks on the record. Perhaps it attests to how tightly the album weaves into one another.
Overall, Cashes Out is a truly interesting, nostalgic blend of sounds. There is a true talent to create such distinctive eras throughout. It shows incredible promise to the talents of Rubber Band Gun. Even if the influences are greatly varied, they all combine to create an engaging, fascinating soundscape.
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