After being featured on Perez Hilton’s pop compilation album, performing during his 2013 SXSW show and the unexpected success of their debut single, "Safe and Sound", currently reaching a peak of number 81 on the Billboard Hot 100, Los Angeles-based indie pop/rock duo Capital Cities are readying their debut album, In a Tidal Wave of Mystery, with the help of Capitol Records on June 4. Featuring new material and tracks which appeared on previous EPs, the new album is a unique and interesting combination of pop, jazz and rock. Supported by excellent production, the vocals of the duo make for a fresh listen capable of burning up the Top 40 charts.
Opening with their current, and honestly amazing, single, "Safe and Sound" is causing some positive buzz and achieving better-late-than-never success. Listeners will quickly learn not to expect the typical radio-friendly formula dominating the airwaves. "Even if we’re six feet underground, I know that we’ll be safe and sound", the duo sings on the jazz-inspired, summer loving track which deserves to hit the number one spot.
The pop inspiration the band is known for can still be heard on "Patience Gets Us Nowhere Fast", but this time around the vibe is somewhat toned down, aiming for a more indie rock sound. While the lyrics depict the idea of never second guessing the possibility of a relationship, the vocals come off smooth and convincing. The song is sweet, relatable and another strong moment for the album.
Rumored as the album’s second single, the weirdly titled "Kangaroo Court" evokes a 70s feel with retro-sounding instrumentals and suave vocals on the catchy chorus. The idea and meaning of a kangaroo court may be oblivious to everyone else but the writers, but it does not take away from the joy experienced when listening to the track.
"I Sold My Bed, But Not My Stereo" describes one’s childhood and teenage years, a look back on life for the duo. "In a time of ones and zeroes, you were one magnetic hero, little things will always get you far," they sing. As one of the first songs heard from the band, the track is a cool mixture of dance and rock, with interesting background production doing its job successfully.
No drastic changes can be heard with "Center Stage". The duo is taking notes from music of the past decades, but bringing it forth to fit in with today’s audience. Combining elements from the disco and electro-pop genres create a piece that would not sound out of place on a project from the mind of Daft Punk. The finished product is something smart and new.
Capital Cities somehow receive assistance from the talented Andre 3000 on "Farrah Fawcett Hair" and everything is perfect in the world. After some word blabber reporting on all the amazing things one could experience in life, seeing a double rainbow and Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" for example, the song continues to not make much sense, but is a soaring piece of pop heaven.
Video game production opens "Chartreuse", a jazz dominated effort where the duo asks to be painted in whatever light one may seem fit. Vocals are great, the lyrics remain simple and effective, but the highlight is without a doubt the supporting trumpet and the solo heard halfway through. "To show my true colors, I must first be exposed to the light," the duo sings as their true identity shines through a little more.
Confusion may overcome listeners when the first few notes of "Origami" play, however, the song represents a change in pace for the album. Again, the trumpet remains a force to be reckoned with, but actually helps take the track to a different level instead of just overshadowing it. The fast, uptempo pace keeps the song interesting enough to distract from the written material.
The shortest track on the album, "Lazy Lies", could be considered the ever expected ballad. Production is scaled back, vocals get even softer and lyrics detail the feeling of being another unwanted soul in the eyes of a lover. "Please explain what you think there is to gain, when you treat me like a magazine," the group sings on this moment of vulnerability and journal-like story telling.
"Tell Me How to Live" brings back the familiar funk. Fit for any decade, the rebellious song of independence is a fun and carefree piece for the group’s debut release. The vocal performances are solid, the instrumentals, including a somewhat out of place string guitar solo, are lively and on point, coming together for a mesmerizing three and a half minutes.
Indie dance would easily classify "Chasing You", a soft duet of wanting to do nothing but fantasize about the one who captures your attention. The vocals of Soseh Keshishyan pair well with the boy duo, the chemistry is present and welcomed. Lyrics may come off a bit "stalker in need of a restraining order", but isn’t that what love is all about?
The album closes with "Love Away". For the semi-ballad Capital Cities want their listeners to look past every obstacle, every interference, and focus on love. "Just love away, just do it every day, just do it every way," the duo sings on the optimistic chorus. With summer approaching, the track would be one to blast with the windows down, forgetting every worry, every trouble.
In a Tidal Wave of Mystery is a unique mix of inspirations encompassing numerous genres currently being depleted of all their resources. While the mixture may have sounded like a mess on paper, especially to two men who met through Craigslist, the final result is a representation of immense talent and the need for something fresh on the radio. Instrumentals such as the guitar and saxophone accompany the vocals of a duo that went from crafting jingles to creating a new take on dance, pop and rock. At times, lyrical content will be misunderstood, leaving one to scratch their head, but it’s only a minor setback. The album receives an 85%.
Tracks to Hear: "Safe and Sound", "Patience Gets Us Nowhere Fast", "Chartreuse" and "Tell Me How to Live"
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