The Henry
Clay People recently released their newest album, titled Twenty Five For The
Rest Of Our Lives, featuring their single, "Hide." For those of us Buffalonians, the California based Henry Clay People can be
found only at the surface of the dense indie underground. Although they may
come across a band destined for the obscure, this four piece indie punk group
has made a substantial dent in the genre over the past half decade, touring
with Silversun Pickups and Against Me! in 2010 and putting out numerous EPs and
full length albums.
Amidst the
growing trend of a more danceable electronic sound in the indie world, THCP
have proved that there is still integrity in chiming distorted guitars and
deadpan vocals that recall Steven Malkmus’ most tuneful moments. Songs like the title track hold true
to the band’s choppy guitars and grimy sound, but tracks like "Hide" and "Backseat of a Cab" bring forth a newer, more musical sound as well.
Vintage sounding synths layer themselves over more spacey guitar effects (like
on the tune "Living Rooms"), and the
vocals’ slightly more processed sound shows a pleasant change from their past
albums’ more raw production.
This is not
to say The Henry Clay People have lost their touch of energetic punk mixed in
with the perfect blend of intellect and angst. The lyrics in this album pay
homage to every early twenties post grad falling victim to the current world we
live in, but all the while maintaining a veiled dark humor as well: “But we
went to school because we do what we’re told and we found some jobs and payed
off our loans/then we lost our jobs so let your parents know that you’ll be
moving home”. All in all, Twenty Five For The Rest Of Our Lives seems to be
THCP’s most interesting and ambitious album yet, showing a blend of sounds and
themes that have become the staple of their sound. Yet I hope they continue in
this direction of a more well polished sound, as well; With the way they are
going now, this band may not make it out of the underground, but should find
themselves a devoted fan base in no time.
The Henry Clay People will be opening for the Futurebirds tonight at the Ninth Ward. Doors open at 7:00pm.
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