Tapes ‘N Tapes – Walk It Off
Outside of a song or two I did not really enjoy the bands first album “The Loon” all that much. “Walk It Off” on a whole is a beefier record then the band debut album. The band sound like they built off the foundation of their debut album. They made a few tweaks in a few spots that really got their sound honed in. Right out of the gate with “Le Ruse” with its hazy and fuzzy guitars and really country vocals. “Hang Them All” holds up well after multiple listens to the single. I still think this one could be a loud stomper out and that big hook will get a few people screaming. “Headstock” plays with the quiet loud formula. The song also features some of the loudest guitars on the record. They are gunning for you. “Blunt” has a really cool sound as you can barely hear the vocals in the background but overall it just rocks. “George Michael” seems to have lost its footing before it even got it. “Lines” loses me on the first chord as the song never really goes anywhere for me. “The Dirty Dirty” rights the ship at the end of the album with a really wacky and loud ditty if you would.
‘Walk It Off” while not without its faults it is a step up for the band from the first album. I like the progression in the sound with beefy and generally meatier arrangements. The album lacks that true indie anthem like “Transistor” was on the first album as it comes close but nothing holds up.
By John Siwicki
