Lacquer - Lacquer

​Lacquer

​Lacquer
self-released; 2017

​3.9 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Lacquer is a band from Tennessee that apparently is just getting started. They released a six-song self-titled EP Lacquer which showcases a lot of potential as well as talent. The band's best moments are often their most subtle drawing comparisons to the reflective melancholy of a band like The Antlers and The National  They mention they have shoegaze tendencies but It’s minimal at best. The word shoegaze gets thrown about a lot these days to define bands and I feel as if the definition is getting broader. If anything I thought they had more post-rock tendencies.

The band is solid all the way through but there are some moments where everything just clicks. Take for instance a clear highlight ”Palindrome” where I was simultaneously reminded of bands like The National, Modest Mouse and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. The melancholy, slow moving song is also extremely catchy and experimental. I love how the band decided to just go full on atmosphere in the middle of the song. I also have to admit that I would have enjoyed hearing them get back into the initial section.

“All Headlights” also has a good amount of inspired moments. The vocals, softly strummed guitar and atmosphere is just about perfect. It sounds great. My only minor quibble is the band has A System of a Down maybe even Filter style rock out towards the end of the song. It felt a tad bit dated and familiar compared to the first half of the song. 

The rocking out fares a better on “Green.” Lyrically the vocalist keeps it ambiguous and avoids cliches and saccharine. He sings, “This is the last time you can help me / You can listen to your friends / Start your car and douse my memory / Better pray I know how to swim.”

The band seems to have saved the best for last with “A Reminder, Revisited.” I have to say the similarities to The National seemed a lot more obvious to me on this song. That being said the song is addictive and also goes into unexpected directions. The second half of this song drips with distortion in a drone metal type of way. 

This six-song EP is quite a start. The band has the potential to go far with their music. They have a lot of great ideas as well as implementation on this EP.

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