“The Green Room”
from the EP Tins
2010
iTunes
If the recent drab and cold has left you feeling down, I recommend the sounds of The Tins to buoy your spirits. This Buffalo trio comprised of Mike Santillo (keyboards, vocals), Adam Putzer (guitar, vocals), and Dave Muntner (drums) has released a self-titled EP of five well-crafted sonic gems. The lof-fi drums, tubular bass, and angular guitars of “Subtle Rattle” start the disc off in diminutive yet intriguing fashion.
Next track “Backbone” picks up the tempo with the keyboard channelling ’80s new wave pop and the guitar and vocal melody offering a sunnier version of Modest Mouse or Wolf Parade. However, it is with the third song “The Green Room” that the band really takes off. The serene composition which clocks in at 7 minutes and 12 seconds sees the band take a left hand turn as it begins with a pretty yet seemingly incongruous synth loop. The loop is soon met by shimmering cymbals and languid guitar that provides a gorgeous backdrop for Santillo and Putzer’s interwoven vocals and harmonies. The wonderful song brought to mind a couple of my favorite pop adventurers, Yo La Tengo and The Flaming Lips. It really is an impressive track and one that has garnered acclaim in the UK and was chosen as a Top 10 pick of the week at NME.com.
The closing two tracks, “June Room” and “Opposite C,” find the The Tins mining more straight forward pop rock terrain, but one that is marked by good taste and interesting creative touches. For, “Opposite C” begins in a nicely laconic mood driven along by synth tones and spare guitar but soon propels the listener into distorted synth throbs, well bashed drums and and the exalted shouts of “I”ll stick it out with you!” followed by a more weary ambiguous refrain of “what to do?, what to do?.” A cathartic tune which addresses the mixed emotions we all feel in stressful situations
In closing, The Tins’ self-titled EP is a very impressive debut which exhibits a rare combination of technical proficiency, pop sense, and creative spark.