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

The Berries - The Berries

12/16/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Berries

The Berries
self-released; 2014

3.5 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
The Berries is a band from South Carolina consisting of Joseph Schroer (vocals, keys), Justin Smith (vocals, bass), Lex Martin (guitar), Larry Ellis (vocals, guitars, harmonica) and Warren Moore (vocals and drums) who recently released a full-length self-titled album The Berries. From what I understand a couple of the members, if not all of them, either graduated or work at Newberry College. The second somewhat entertaining fact about the band is that the members in the band range from 24-years-old to 67-years-old. Despite their age differences they came together on one commonality, “to instill the spirit of 1966 in your head.” In their own words the band is “a little surf, a little fuzz, a little psych, a little Merseybeat... and a whole lot of garage.” I would agree with their own assessment but it’s all about the delivery. So does The Berries self-titled really instill the spirit of 1966?

If I had to give a one-word answer I would say “yes.” In reality they do a decent job but the album is far from perfect in a number of areas. The album is a mixed bag of songs. Some of it works really well and some of it needs a bit of tweaking.

The album starts with “Lady Macbeth,” which is founded on punk and garage. It revolves around crunchy power chords, strained vocal delivery and a consistent steady drumbeat. The background vocals were a nice component to the music, which added a bit of magic to the song.

“Hurricane Beach” as it name implies is a surf song. The drummer and guitarist lock together to create a groove that shouldn't sound unfamiliar to fans of surf rock. I have to say that for the music they were playing the energy sounded surprisingly vacant. I can’t pinpoint it to one thing but the energy level during the verse needed to be more apparent.

“Little Miata” is a clear highlight that displays the band at their finest. The band experiments with Beach Boy style vocal harmonies that bring the song to life. I wish the band implemented more vocal harmonies like this throughout the album because it seemed to me to be their biggest strength. 

As the album progresses there are a number of other highlights including “Surfer’s Moon” and closer “All About You.” “All About You” is an upbeat ending that felt overly optimistic like something you would hear from The Monkees. I say that in a good way.

The Berries has its faults but overall is an enjoyable experience from beginning to end. Fourteen songs deep it takes a little bit of time and effort but never feels exhausting.
Tweet
0 Comments

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

    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