There is such a thing, at least known to me, as “summer music.” Summer music is crisp, light, and carefree without too much philosophical digging – just fun. It embellishes the energy of the moment, whether that is something as mundane as driving your car late at night after a show, or parking it to overlook the city lights with the windows rolled down. Jersey City band, Banquets, and their sophomore, self-titled LP, could easily fit into this category.
Compared to the likes of Gaslight Anthem, Banquets delivers the same intense rock energy, but with a less matured voice. That isn’t to say that lead singer Travis Omilian delivers a poor vocal performance, just that there is less texture to his chords. For a rock band, it caters well to the genre. If you pay close enough attention in “Little Shallow,” you may catch a hint of Dave Grohl.
Banquets is your standard rock record, beautifully mastered and professional. However, there are some songs more than others that I would highly recommend adding to your playlist. “March 19th” is a haunting little number, regarding a loss, maybe a break up, that doesn’t pull at your heartstrings, nor makes you want to break something. It’s a happy medium between contemplative and nostalgic without getting overtly dramatic about it. “Starts and Stops,” is the kind of song us “privilege white kids,” blare in our rooms hoping our parents will listen to our feelings of entrapment. “Bums in the Breeze,” the slow jam,” cools the sweat off your back significantly, but keeps the heat in your cheeks.
Every song on Banquet‘s new album will add a little something to your step, and make you want to continue to drive straight down the highway to the next city over. Banquets is now available courtesy of Black Numbers/Disconnect Disconnect for digital download or your record player.
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