Dunebuggy “Dunebuggy”
Dunebuggy came together in 1991 and were based out of Hoboken, New Jersey. The band split in 1996, and self-released several songs — but this LP is the first time that many of their songs have ever been available to the public.
The band has a D.I.Y. aesthetic of skateboarding, and an obsessive appreciation for well-crafted pop tunes, Featuring members Jon Procopio (vocals/guitar), Keith Renna (drums), Michael Reilly (bass) and with contributions from Tracy Wilson (guest vocals), the band quickly built a name for themselves by creating clever indie rock with monstrous pop hooks. Their signature sound was punctuated by angular guitars, quirky phrasing and imaginative lyrics. Standouts here include: “Tungsten” and “Green Eisenhower.”
The Squires of the Subterrain “Sandbox”
Christopher Earl from the Squires of the Subterrain has produced some great albums within the Fab Four style. Now Earl takes his turn at that other pop music paragon, The Beach Boys. The primitive Wilson styled tunes are done with sparse composition on “Idling In The Sun” and “Surfin’ Indiana”. The lyrics are intentionally ironic, about how you’ll spend more time in traffic than speeding down the highway and the joys of “surfing” in a small creek.
Earl gets props for the Pet Sounds influenced “(I Still) Mow Your Lawn” with its authentic harmonies and falsetto. The double meaning on most songs helps me enjoy the simple homage on “The Cheatin’ Gibson Girl” and “Fun House.” The psyche-pop stream of consciousness on “Woodrow Wilson” and “Rising Waters” treat us to Smile-like “experiments”. At times the lo-fi production and over-exaggerated Mike Love nasal approach on a few songs were annoying, but after a few listens it really grew on me. Essential for Beach Boys fans.