New Music: Capitol Basement - In The Park
By Justine-Marie
Capitol Basement’s first full-length album, “In The Park,” is both a continuation of the sound they have carved form themselves, as well as a progression in style since their last release, the “Ging Gong” EP. The 5-piece group put out a full-fleshed, ten track album in May to a crowd of family, friends, and fans (the three f’s of filling a venue, proportioned properly for a great live experience).
They’re still clearly recognizeable a Seattle band: not by sounding like everyone else, but by drawing influence from distinctly Seattle views of rock. This band’s members grew up listening to Pearl Jam and the Presidents; seeing live music; and in general, taking rock seriously. However, exhilleratingly abrupt shifts a la Arcade Fire, keyboard complexity drawing from classical and jazz influence, and moments of dischord pulled from more punk and hardcore roots all show the bands pull from a large library of modern music.
And Capitol Basement’s own sounds are strengthening. Vocalist Evan Easthope is starting to sound more like himself in his singing. When the “Ging Gong” EP was released, people were still shocked to hear a voice so deep and mature coming from someone so young, and he may have played that up a little bit. Now, a bit older, his voice is still deep, mature, and impressive, but it sounds more uniquely like he, himself - which makes for more solid vocals. Also continued are the anthem-like segments with heavy keyboard, guitar, and steady drumbeats (remember the intro to “Quickdraw” from the EP?). In “In The Park,” “Tyrannosaurus” often has me imagining lights, smoke, and arena rock: it’s epic, espeically live.
But as a whole, the album shows variety between tracks for a solid compilation. “Redwing” and “Nightropes” are nothing short of fast, rock-your-socks-off pieces, “It” is an emotional but rocking piece, “August 10th” a bi slower, and of course, there’s those anthem-like bits that I think characterize Capitol Basement’s releases. The album is available on iTunes and through CDBaby.