Uncanny

This weekend I received an unsolicited copy of “Freedom Wind,” the debut album of THE EXPLORERS CLUB, a new band from Charleston, South Carolina. Having never heard of this band, I was slightly skeptical, at first. The cover art was clearly a nod to the graphic designs of mid-60’s Beach Boys albums, especially, “All Summer Long.” I assumed that the songs on the disc would be a warmed-over re-hash of the standard Beach Boys/Brian Wilson sound. Boy, was I ever wrong. These guys are the “real deal.” While their sonic debt to the Beach Boys/Brian Wilson is clear, they do not merely ape their forefathers. Rather, they inject new life into a classic sound. For a comparison, think The Tyde’s 2006 album “Three’s Co.,” the Wondermints’ “Mind If We Make Love to You” and the High Llamas’ “Hawaii.”

However, The Explorers Club hews even closer to the original than do other bands that have tried to re-invigorate the sound created by Brian Wilson in the mid to late ‘60s. While I’m no expert on recording techniques, from listening to “Freedom Wind,” it becomes apparent that the members of The Explorers Club, especially songwriter Jason Brewer, have lovingly absorbed the musical lessons of Beach Boys’s albums from “Pet Sounds” through “Sunflower.” The timbre of the production and mix of the album clearly owe a large debt to Brian & the Boys. You could listen to each song on “Freedom Wind” and pick out parts that sound like they were lifted from one Beach Boy’s classic or another. However, what elevates this album ahead of others which have tried to capture a bit of that Wilson magic is Brewer’s songwriting. The melodies and harmonies are fresh and memorable and are by no means hackney.

This is one group that will likely divide Beach Boys/Brian Wilson fans in two. One half will hate it as a too close for comfort hack-job of the late ‘60s Beach Boys sound. The other half will adore it as a thoughtful up-date of a classic sound. I fall in the later camp.

The Explorers Club release their debut album, “Freedom Wind,” on the DEAD OCEANS label on May 20th. "Do You Love Me?" is the A-side to The Explorers Club new 7-inch, which will be available on April 8th. The flipside of the single is "Carry Me."

While my enthusiasm was sparked after a single listen, the warm, beautiful sounds of the group linger on in my head. This is an album I will be listening very closely to over the next few weeks. I’m sure highlights will emerge as will a full review.

LINKS

MYSPACE
PITCHFORK
CHARLESTON CITY PAPER
YOUTUBE
STYLUS MAGAZINE
RCRD LBL