Sharp Pins
Radio DDR
*** out of *****
The solo project of Chicago based Kai Slater from Lifeguard is named Sharp Pins and his newest release, Radio DDR is a collection of 14 tunes that recall the Paisley Underground and dreamy indie-pop with a DIY approach as Slater dishes out twinkling tunes and easy flowing sounds with various levels of scuffed up production.
The jangling strums start right with opener "Every Time I Hear" as nice a bassline pushes things along in front of Slater's distant vocals while "Lorelei" uses echoing vocals and a raw sound with acoustic strums and dull drums. One of the overarching issues with the album is the production varies song to song. Part of Slaters appeal is the DIY bedroom recording approach that puts the listeners intimately with him and his yearning tunes, however this type of jangle-pop genre usually works best with pristine guitars and shining vocals.
The acoustic strums and lo-fi style of "Sycophant" swells with 'doo-doo-doo' vocal lines while the melancholy vibes seep out of the weeping "When You Know". It is impossible to write and play in this musical area and not conjure up some 'Beatlesque' songs and both "If I Was Ever Lonely" and the more ominous "Circle all the Dots" recall the Fab Four's vast influence.
When things are cleaned up a bit, such as on the swelling with excellent vocals, chimes and assorted instruments, "You Don't Live Here Anymore" or the larger, catchy "You Have A Way" which uses harmonies wonderfully, Slater sounds great. The more revved up rocker "Is It Better" builds tension but never releases while production oddities cloud up "Race for the Audience". While larger, more even production may dilute Sharp Pins charms, they might also bring out a brighter, better, final product.
As it stands, Slater saves his three best efforts to close the album, wrapping things up on a strong note. "I Can't Stop" uses warbling strumming and a nice beat, while the most produced sounding effort "Storma Lee" also is the best full tune here. The quirky "With A Girl Like Mine" finds Slater closing this Sharp Pins release with a little of rainy day humor as Radio DDR signs off.
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