It's September. There, I said it.
Summer 2k13 might still be in full swing - or maybe just in spirit (temperature-wise), but it's also that time of year when you start to realize it's probably all going to change soon. Most of our surreal, concert-packed days are behind us. However, the end-of-season blues just so happens to coincide with the debut album from Buffalo's Del Paxton. The aptly-titled, six-song Worst. Summer. Ever. injects the fun and freedom of summer into a riffy hybrid of math rock and emo. Del Paxton has managed to encapsulate it all into clever, angular punk songs that are introspective without seeming sad. Because of that, I'm willing to say that this album is a perfect segue into the upcoming fall.
I said it before and I'll say it again - I'm starting to think that Del Paxton can't actually be having the worst summer ever.
"Surf's Up" is a minute and thirty nine seconds of pure Del Paxton magic. Surprisingly, these guys are just a three piece, but moments like the one 40 seconds into "Surf's Up" have me on the edge of my seat. Admittedly, I am a sucker for "first-wave" emo music, but there is an unbridled energy hiding in these songs. Conversely, nothing here is outright peppy, and they rarely reach a level I would consider intense. Yet the reserved urgency what I enjoy most about Del Paxton. These three are truly in sync with each other. In fact, the more I listen to Worst. Summer. Ever., the more I enjoy the intricacies of their dynamic as a band. One of the best, albeit not immediately apparent aspect of this group, are the almost jazzy drum beats that give this record such an urgent feeling. Even on more straightforward songs like "October," drummer Greg McClure taps nimbly along with his bandmates. It's a small thing, but his attention to his detail is impressive, and it helps propel Worst. Summer. Ever. to a different and refreshing intensity.
I find that bands have a tough time making catchy, relatable music when they are too focused on making it math-y or unique. Songwriting is a delicate process and sometimes it's hard to satisfy a person's "inner musician" while also writing a simple, digestible song. But songs where Del Paxton play with time signatures and riffs, most notably the blistering "The Ninety," are both catchy and challenging. With a three-piece, lower-fi band like Del Paxton, these songs could easily have come off as cluttered or messy, but the drums and guitar are so nimble and locked-in with each other. I find myself counting along with the band to see what time signatures they're experimenting with. It's a rare combination of expert musicianship and pop songwriting that has both clout and staying power.
Even when Del Paxton calms things down, like the fantastic "Two Planes Away," I find my head bobbing along. However, I think my favorite moment on Worst. Summer. Ever. goes to the EP closer, "Motion Sick," a classic ode to heartbreak. The song acts like a gradual crescendo into perfect, blissful emo glory. Singers Dylan England and Zack Schoedel harmonize on what might be one of the catchiest moments on the EP, a sing-along of "Well I guess I'm burning a hole in your pocket," complete, of course, with a beautiful background chorus of "ooohs." In my opinion, almost all of Worst. Summer. Ever. is intelligent and well-written, but it's moments like the end of "Motion Sick" that really hit hard.
In case I haven't made it clear enough, I really enjoyed Worst. Summer. Ever. And as far as I'm concerned, I'm not too bummed out that summer is coming to a close. At first, I just had my collection of hoodies to look forward to, but now, I have the perfect soundtrack too.
So great to find bands in this genre from Buffalo. I used to think this genre was vacant in local music, but these guys have a wonderful 'Great Big Pile Of Leaves'-esque sound, while still maintaining a really meaningful, tastefully emo songwriting style.
The style is excellent. It's my favorite point of view if you speak in this domain. Thanks, I enjoyed my reading.