Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Japan Van Damme - Normal Style

6/25/2021

1 Comment

 
Picture
Japan Van Damme

​​
Normal Style
​self-released; 2021

4.0 out of 5

By Jay Freeman

Japan Van Damme started between 2013-14 when longtime friends Lorren Schweppe (guitar) and Erik Shaw (guitar) reconnected after a few years apart. Each had been cutting their teeth with Shaw playing in various outfits around Minneapolis, while Schweppe was a ‘hired gun’ playing in New York City. While both were between projects, it was the perfect time to finally consolidate and showcase their songwriting and progressive guitar playing styles. Two cases of Hamm's and a backyard boxing match later, “the bond was blood and the brotherhood was born” as they say. Years later, veteran musician Jess Skadburg (drums) joined, while Andrew Roman (bass) strutted into the mix with rich enthusiasm and experience, catapulting the group into a new level. Japan Van Damme has a dynamic, original sound that stands on its own. While incorporating various influences of classic, alternative, blues, pop and southern rock, the group has been compared to Big Star on the Bob Cesca podcast show calling them “the reincarnation of the former group.” Their latest full-length album Normal Style, was recorded, mixed,and mastered at Winterland Studios in New Hope, Minnesota with engineer and good friend Josh Levi.
 
To kick things off, “Thirty Day Notice” has got the spirit of post-punk rock in a fresh alternative way. This song has got a live and well produced sound. “New York City Eats Its Young” seems spot on to me with the stories I’ve heard. This one features some great power chords and a rock pop melody with just a touch of twang. Kind of reminds me a bit of the rock-twang that The Replacements did several years ago, or should I say, decades ago. Damn, I feel old.

​“Take Energy Park Drive” has a gritty guitar lick and a mean bass line. This one’s pretty catchy. Next is “There She Goes” and it feels like it would be a good contender for the radio or to put out as a single. Some fantastic singing, too. “Cobaine” has got one hell of an infectious guitar riff and shows the band’s hard rock side. I kind of liken this one to a mix of Alice in Chains, KISS and perhaps a few others in there as well. “Seven Day Weekend” has got a more classic, softer side – I can hear some of the Big Star influence for sure. “Two Weeks Prior” begins with a cool start, sort of jazzy, sort of classic rock from the ‘70s, but then it gets heavier and louder.

 
“Still in Spades” features spacious guitar riffs and a few awesome lead guitar solos. I liked how the drums weaved in and out between verse and chorus. This one had a bluesy edge to it and packs a lot of attitude. However, as the shortest song on the album, it felt like it should have been longer. It seemed like it was over before it begun. Moving on with a southern fried rock sound is “Blackout Boys” – a song about beer and “hitting on someone else.” I think this one would be a favorite for the regulars at the local watering hole.

“Still Lucky” finally throws a wrench in the operation. This is clearly the love ballad of the album. I thought the band’s change in tempo and arrangements were quite unique, making for a dynamic tune. And the piano is just what this song needed – nice touch!  “Now She’s Gone” showcases a little southern rock with the classic, while “The Ballad of Billy Badass” taps into some country-rock vibes. Lyrically, it sounds like the quintessential country song, just made for sitting under a starry sky with your mate and a six-pack. The last tune is “Dead Man’s Son.”  This one begins with a quieter sound and then builds up during the chorus parts. Overall, a modern alternative sound fastened on the shoulders of bands like Big Star and Wilco. 


All in all, there were a number of highlights. This is a cohesive album from start to finish. Take a listen.
Become A Fan
bandcamp
Tweet
1 Comment
Mike
6/25/2021 08:13:42 pm

These guys are AMAZING. seriously they are fucking great.

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band
© Divide and Conquer 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact