Float Upstream - Ep

Float Upstream

EP
self-released; 2015

3.1 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Float Upstream is a band from Hershey, Pennsylvania who formed a couple of months ago and has already released an EP simply titled EP. The band is composed of Josiah Joseph (lead vocals/guitar), John Davis (guitar), Nick Scipione (bass guitar) and Owen Pearl (drums) and as of right now they haven't much of a unique sound but there is a more glaring problem with this EP other than their growing pains - it's the recording and it's one specific issue - the ridiculous amount of high frequencies. I literally couldn't put my speakers past a low volume setting or my ears would start ringing. I ended up having to bust out a graphic EQ and remastering the songs to get through it. It's baffling that the band or their friend who helped engineer didn't notice it.

Once I scooped out the offending frequencies with my graphic EQ I started listening to the songs. At this point they sound like a garage band that is relying on their influences and clichés of rock a bit too much. Predictable power chord progressions, transitions and melodies are what you can expect on their EP.

The songs aren't badly written but if the band hopes to get competitive with other top-tier bands there are going to have to infuse something within the music to make people notice. There’s just not much to latch on to that defines any unique qualities about the band.

The best efforts come from "Wasn't Meant To Be" and "Plastic Man."  "Wasn't Meant To Be" sounds like a watered down B-side of The Strokes. However I thought the breakdown at the end with the vocal harmonies was clever.

"Plastic Man" was a decent track with a fairly catchy vocal melody. Kudos to the drummer here for mixing it up on the high hat. The guy has got some technical and creative talent.

Float Upstream has got some work ahead of them. The upside of all this is they have only been around for a couple months. Practice, step outside what is safe and the next time you are in the studio make sure there aren't so many high frequencies in your finished product.

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