There is a lack of simplicity in the contemporary music world these days – some bands sound like they are too afraid to make genuine music that’s representative of themselves, instead hiding behind cliché musical motifs and perfect recordings to disguise what’s really there. It’s as if some bands have become like teenagers who would rather cover their faces with makeup than let a new pimple announce its existence to the world. This is the state of some contemporary music groups, but not Steve Shiffman & The Land Of No (SSTLN).
This EP that is due to be released July 19, features three songs that offer a multitude of musical landscapes for the listener to explore. The New York-based group offers a distinctly lo-fi sound throughout the EP, choosing to showcase gritty guitar riffs, driving drum beats and honest vocals that reference the no-frills style of garage bands. The EP is the first of three to be released that will lead up to SSTLN’s full-length LP release on April 24, 2012, and the three songs is enough to tease the listener for more.
The best track off of the EP has to be the second song entitled “Truth Or Propaganda.” The track starts off with a crunchy guitar riff that leads the bass and drums into a nice supporting role for Shiffman’s voice. Shiffman has a very relaxed, but genuinely sincere voice – one feels like a friend is singing to you, not at you. The moments when he pairs his falsetto with the backing vocals adds a nice pop icing to the otherwise simple music.
Aside from Shiffman’s voice, the music is nothing too exciting. There is a nice use of dissonant and pop chords in every song, but the songs almost seem to limit what the musicians can do. If you’re looking for outstanding musicianship, this band probably isn’t for you. That being said, however, the simplicity of the playing is charming and, when combined with Shiffman’s voice, can win you over like a pretty girl on prom night.
On the whole, this is a solid EP that points to a lot of potential. It will be very interesting to see how this group develops. The ploy of releasing the EPs as a lead up to the LP’s release is great idea – with its gritty music and sincere vocals, SSTLN has essentially turned us all into audible addicts who are craving the next fix.
6 Golden Eggs
Top Track: “Truth Or Propaganda”
