A while back I went into some detail about The Early Stages (hit that search button and you’ll see, or look at my 2016 Annual List). I admit I became somewhat obsessed with their music, but it’s not my fault; they’re just too good. So I’m pleased I have another reason to bring them up now, because they recently released their first album “Terrible Business.” And the title says it all; it’s terrible.
NO, NO, NO, I’m kidding of course! It is, in fact, amazing business. A few of the tracks may be familiar if you’ve dug around and found some of their demos and other digital postings, but this will mostly be new music to you if you’re only familiar with their vinyl singles output. I never know exactly who to compare this band to for a shorthand reference; I hear lots of familiar elements I’ve discussed previously (including Swell Maps, The Embarrassment, and now, with this album, maybe I’ll add Pixies to the mix), but nothing I can come up with is exactly on point. It’s a classic guitar/bass/drum set up and the songs are full of wonderful instrumental interplay among the four musicians (Alex Bajoris, Bridget Evarts, John Krauter and Ike Krumenacker). They sometimes veer into a sound that’s a bit shambolic, but the songs always work. And they’ve got a few that feel like epics but clock in at less than four minutes; I have no idea how they pull that off. I think Alex’s vocals may be the secret ingredient to the overall unique flavor on display. His voice, to me, sounds somewhat like a combination of nervous, distressed, alienated, amused and perplexed.
Make your holiday shopping easy this year. Go to their Bandcamp page and order this delicious vinyl for all your friends with good taste in music, and treat yourself while you’re at it. You deserve it.