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

Second Hand Static - Second Hand Static

11/14/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Second Hand Static

Second Hand Static
self-released; 2014

3.5 out of 5

By Ted Rogen



Second Hand Static is a band based out of Chicago that started off playing covers. Like a good majority of bands they got tired of playing other people's tunes because gosh darn it we have things to say as well. The band comprised of John Maher (guitars, vocals), Chris Dunn (lead guitar), Jon Glabus (bass) and Brian Lamberty  (drums) recently released their self-titled debut album Second Hand Static. Second Hand Static makes rock/alternative music that can draw comparisons to ‘90s bands like Foo Fighters and Local H. As long as you haven’t been living in a cave for the last twenty-five years this music shouldn’t feel unfamiliar. For the most part the songs are fun and well written if not particularly innovative. The majority of the songs revolve around distorted power chords and visceral vocal work that is supported by drums and bass. 

At fourteen songs the album overstays its welcome by a tad (although the first and last track aren’t even thirty seconds long). For a debut release it may have been more impactful to have less songs since most people’s attention span has gone out the window for new music and bands. That being said it’s the only minor gripe I have with the album.

There are a couple of highlights amongst the batch that got my attention right away. The opener “Small Fry” works on a number of levels and can also draw a lot of comparisons to the Foo Fighters. I’m not just talking about the music here. Maher sounds like David Grohl especially during the verse and when he omits a sustained growl. This song also features some of the best lead guitar work on the album. There is some exceptional drum work on “Bending Arms” while “Dissolving Walls” leaves the distortion off in favor of a more spacious canvas.

“Pineapple Pachyderm” contains some of the most accomplished instrumental work on the album. Stylistically, they are all over the place and sound like a jam band that is into Rage Against the Machine. Not every song works on the album and the band still seems to be in the transition from playing covers to originals.

The band is tight, the songs are decent but they haven’t quite found that element that thoroughly defines Second Hand Static. This album was recorded in 2012 so there is a possibility they have evolved their sound. Sometimes it take a little time for a band to figure out who they are, just look at Notwist.
official website
Tweet
0 Comments



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

    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 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact