Deadbeat Beat
“Mellow”
We Are Time (available via Bandcamp)
It’s been a while since Detroit’s top jangle-pop purveyors Deadbeat Beat have released anything new. Turns out it’s been worth the wait.
With their return album “From Here To Ohio,” we see this group at their largest and most anthemic. After years of basement shows and playing at tiny punk bars, it’s an impressive feat to find a full-throated voice that reaches to the rafters.
They’re tighter than ever on “From Here To Ohio.” There’s real depth here, both with the songwriting and the production. (My biggest pet peeve with local acts; spend the money on recording and mastering if ya can!)
If you’re a fan of anything on Flying Nun Records or indie rock bands like Galaxie 500 or the Pains at Being Pure of Heart, you’ll find a musical home here.
I’d argue Deadbeat Beat is even better, mostly powered by the songwriting and lead vocals of Alex Glendening, the understated star of the show, who sounds like an unconcerned, casual Brian Wilson in the best way.
Listening to this record, it’s tough to pick one track to highlight. I’ll stick with “Mellow,” which I’m addicted to, so I’ll highlight it here. (“Straight Friends,” with its slightly meandering shoegaze breakdown towards the end of the track, was a close follow-up candidate.)
On top of making a record that’s brighter and tighter than past efforts, there are real hooks here; a sense of songwriting structure that can sometimes feel like a moving target for a band with less talent.
Glendening’s songwriting, however, is backed by some serious anchors including Maria Nuccilli on drums and backing vocals (I’d argue her angelic, soft and floating backing vocal is the No. 1 secret weapon on this whole record) and Zak Frieling’s steady, groovy basslines that meld with each track with confidence and poise. Pete Steffy, a relatively new addition to the band, rounds the sound out with keys.
This isn’t a bedroom 4-track recording with heart; it’s a full fledged effort from a band that’s put the time in without rushing things, and “Mellow” is an absolute stand-out on their latest release.
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