There are those of us who harken back to that golden age of indie rock, swathing the 80s and 90s in anthemic, gritty, reverbing soundscapes. Those who were around to bask in it love to reminisce, whilst those who were too young or non-existent fantasize. It is 2014; many are retracing the roots of college rock for reignited inspirations. Charlotte, North Carolina trio Late Bloomer happen to be one of those bands. Their sophomore album, ‘Things Change’, is a bold record, burning with the same fire as the heroes who forged their musical souls.
For what it’s worth, Late Bloomer aren’t exactly breaking new ground, but they do a mighty fine job of the style they play. Shoegaze ambiance, reverberated tones, raw yells and proto-grunge grooves, all wrapped up in a neatly furnished package. ‘Backpatches’ exemplifies this eclectic bubbling pot; it twists and turns in rumbling bass and guitar plus crashing drums, swimming effortlessly in a quiet to loud shift. The trio utilise this classic dynamic, as perfected by Dinosaur Jr. and the Pixies, to convey emotions that are both endearing and aggressive. The title track puts the dynamic to further good use as it stomps in gritty thudding grunge punk in the chorus, bridged by the tender, mellow ambient breathers in between.
What Late Bloomer also excel at is the use of vocals by the entire trio. On the reflectively themed ‘Children’, the co-operative use of vocals really raises the bar for a college rock anthem that would make Hüsker Dü blush. The song is also the most melodically heartfelt number here. There is a respect towards the delicate pop tinged tones, especially on the euphoric ‘Dr. Abernathy’. The song begins with a serene opening, slowly cracking open over its course, like a sunrise peeling away the night sky over a rippling lake.
My overall impression of ‘Things Change’ is that Late Bloomer have made a solid record presenting their good merits. It is an amalgamation of the best parts of that golden age, melody and loudness becoming one in a sea of shoegaze atmospherics and proto-indie grunge brilliance. This trio have a keen attentive palette at how to play this style of music. It is not a perfect record, but it is a solidly enjoyable one at best. Furthermore, although I haven’t listened to prior material, ‘Things Change’ certainly places Late Bloomer on the right road to creating something truly special.
3.5/5
‘Things Change’ by Late Bloomer is out now on Self Aware, Tor Johnson and Lunchbox Records.
Late Bloomer links: Facebook|Bandcamp|Twitter
Words by Aaron Lohan (@ooran_loohan)
