Weekly Release Spotlight: Now, Now Every Children
Posted on 1/12/2009
Now, Now Every Children
Cars
[Afternoon Records]
Now, Now Every Children have come a long way since they started writing songs after band practice in suburban Blaine, Minn. After demoing material in their basement, the group signed to Minneapolis's Afternoon Records in 2007. They released two EPs, "Everyone You Know" and "Not One, But Two," and their blend of keyboard-based indie rock quickly gained notoriety in the Twin Cities scene. Midwest and West Coast touring followed, as did the praise of many in the music community. Though originally started as a four-piece, the group now consists solely of Cacie Dalager and Bradley Hale. Afternoon Records released "Cars" just before the holidays.
The group's first proper full-length album, "Cars" features re-recordings of three songs from their previous releases as well as seven new tracks written mostly over the last year. Dalager's signature vocals sound child-like and innocent as she laments lyrics over layers of keyboards, guitars and drums. Hale's drumming is crisp and steady. The benefits of recording in a proper studio are also well apparent. The group's previous releases had a certain lo-fi charm about them that some might miss. But, throughout "Cars," all of the intricate pieces of each song are given the opportunity to be heard (though they blend together nicely if you aren't paying attention). The first track, "Not One, But Two," starts with sparse drums and guitar with Dalager's slightly haunting voice building up into a full-on wall of guitars and trashy cymbals. "Sleep Through Summer" gives much of the same, with wavering synth lines intertwining with chugging guitar chords and a syncopated drum beat. "Cars," both the title track and last song on the album, is a fitting end. The synth is hypnotizing and the drumming steadily chugs along.
These Midwestern indie rockers definitely know their stuff and stay close to the vest, producing well-written yet simple songs. Still, it's tough to believe that they've only been around for a couple of years, with a European tour on the horizon and a spot at Bamboozle in the spring. Now, Now Every Children's poppy hooks and indie beats give truth to the belief that sometimes, less is more.
Stream: Now, Now Every Children - Not One, But Two
Written by Andrew Zoellner, Radio K volunteer.