Few recent New England musical acts have shined as bright as Western Massachusetts alternative fuzz rock act Speedy Ortiz. With complex beats, structures and rhythms combined with scorching riffs, the sheer originality from this quartet is absolutely infectious. That couldn’t be more evident than with their brand new release Foil Deer, showcasing a progression of the eclectic talents that create such incredible music. Speedy Ortiz are a band that’s about to blast off; we should all come along for the ride.
My favorite thing about Foil Deer and Speedy Ortiz’s music in general is Sadie Dupuis’ poetic lyrics meshing with the band’s collective instrumentation for the ultimate rigid aesthetic. Echoing fellow Massachusetts natives the Pixies, Speedy Ortiz mixes intensity and calmness to exude a flurry of emotions, something that both generic listeners and audial snobs can enjoy. They achieve the artist’s dream of being reasonably accessible for complete strangers while being raw and genuine for the underground addicts.
After the weekend it’s important to take time to readjust. That’s when I indulge in my top tracks off of my Album Of The Week. Wanna get away? Then join me.
With one of the grooviest drum and bass beats I’ve heard in quite a while, “Puffer” is very Portishead-esque with drummer Mike Falcone and bassist Darl Ferm being at their best as a kickass rhythm section. A poppy number that’s going to get people jumping up and down like a bunch of pogo sticks, “Swell Content” has a lot of energy, and it’s absolutely rifftastic. The best example of Speedy Ortiz’s loud/quiet/loud style, “Raising The Skate” could very well be the radio hit off of Foil Deer with its complexities and regularities forming something very beautiful.
Looking to see Speedy Ortiz live? Well, they are playing a sold out show at The Sinclair in Cambridge, Mass. on April 22, but they’ll be performing at The Space in Hamden, Conn, on April 24. Let’s hope they come play Providence soon, but until then you gotta grab a copy of Foil Deer. It’ll administer a dose of sheer, unbridled musical power through your headphones.
