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Hi Sorry State readers! How are ya? It’s been ok on my end. It’s been kind of a dreary week or two around these parts. Which sucks now that I’ve committed to going for walks regularly. I’ve been trying to go out in the morning, because I read some science about the benefits of physically being in the sun (whether it’s behind clouds or not) when you first wake up. I say physically because it doesn’t count if you just look out the widow. Plus, it just makes me feel better all day. It also gives me the perfect opportunity to listen to new music! Let’s go.
My staff pick this week is by the Canadian band, Divorcer. They released an absolutely killer EP titled Espionage. It has been in very regular rotation for almost a couple weeks now. It’s so likable. It’s fun and catchy and all that good stuff, but also witty and clever.
It’s very pop-heavy, but it feels substantial. The vocals are sharp and sometimes breathy, with a lot of lovely harmonies. Tiny Devil (the first track) is absolutely infectious. It sucked me right in with its simple yet effective beat, and sharp vocals that are both sweet and taunting. They cleverly blend quieter vocals with the lead vocals to play the part of the tiny devil in her head. I mean, I think that’s what they’re doing. The layered vocals add great dimension to all the tracks.
This is also evident on the next track, Bug. It’s my other favorite track. It starts out rather simple and catchy, and just a little weird. You think you get the gist of the song after 30 seconds or so, but it gets more weird and then kinda trippy, but still maintains structure. I like when songs take weird, unanticipated turns, but they still find their way home.
Crying is a slower tempo, more stripped down track. The darker melodic bass riff lays ground for lovely vocal harmonies. I think it’s a well-placed track to slow things down and reset before going out with a bang on the closing track, Leech. This is another winner for me. It seems to draw inspiration from a popular alt-rock formula with its quiet verses and loud crashing choruses. It also incorporates some more noticeable distortion to roughen things up. It all makes for a well-rounded EP.
I’m really drawn to poppy songs with clean and simple beats, but don’t sound superficial. I think that making good use of simple sounds in a way that sounds creative and catchy is no easy feat, and Divorcer does this very well. Unfortunately, this may be sold out or very close to sold out at the time that you’re reading this, but if you get a chance, give it a listen! And hopefully we’ll get more.
Thanks so much for reading! Until we meet again.
-Angela