Squaretape
EP
© 2007 Squaretape (837101312080)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Big vocal harmonies, ripping guitars, hook-y synths, blasting horns, cheering cheerleaders, and twisty lyrics, all sprinkled over tightly-arranged tunes that run the stylistic gambit from rock to dance to synth-pop to, well, bluegrass. Stir and enjoy.
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Squaretape was formed in 2004 by multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter Kirk Hamilton. An accomplished jazz saxophonist and composer, Hamilton started teaching himself guitar in 2003, seeking to find an outlet for his rock writing. A year later, he formed Squaretape with guitarist Dan Nervo; the band’s personnel also includes Dan Apczynski on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, Brian Fox on bass, and Peter Thomas on drums.
The band members capped a successful 2006 by heading into the studio to record this self-titled EP. Their first recording slated for wide release, it is a collection of the driving beats, shimmering vocal harmonies, ripping guitars, and screaming synths that have become inextricable components of the band’s sound.
The disc opens with “The Wall’s Gonna Break You Down,” a jittery ode to sexual frustration, followed by the blaring horn section and angular vocal breakdowns of “Standing Offer.” The third track, “Ragdoll,” is a brooding Dear Jane letter brimming with deep bass and thick, layered vocals, followed by “Ordinary,” a metronomic, hard-rock portrayal of the grind and grace of everyday life. “Massive Attack” returns to the dance floor as the band, joined by San Francisco burlesque cheer troupe The Cock-Ts, unleashes a frenetic call to party in the face of paperwork. The disc closes with “Shoshana,” a fan favorite from the band’s theatrical live performances, re-imagined as an acoustic hoedown with bluegrass-style vocal harmonies and a burning guitar duel.
"To lump Squaretape in with the rest of the new wave-esque pop-rock bands out there right now would be an oversimplification. The range they show in just six songs on their first release speaks to their talent as musicians and their potential to hit it big. Check out the Squaretape EP for something upbeat and fun, with a little more quirk and depth than your average 80s-influenced band."
-Hot Indie News
"Draws obvious influences from new wavers like Talking Heads, Oingo Boingo, and The Cars ... surely not bad influences, especially since Squaretape takes this template and does wonderfully bizarre things with it ... undeniablly catchy, the tongue-in-cheek lyrics presented with lilting,twisted harmonies add a further welcome dimension."
-Music Morsels
"Synths abound, vocal harmonies - that begin with Kirk Hamilton's sexy falsetto - guide you to the dance floor, especially the addictive opener 'The Wall's Gonna Break You Down.' But before you tire, the SF quintet flex a quirky rock muscle that shows some maturity."
-The Owl Mag
"A cross between Devo, The Kinks and Talking Heads... up-tempo, pop-accessible rock songs...vocally the band does some great work. The band shows off some good harmonizing and catchy lead vocals... This is a catchy EP with some fun, original dance-rock/new wave music."
- Pucknation.com
"...jumps around between 80s synth-driven pop, freeform jazz, and rock all while maintaining an upbeat attitude. From the jaunty rock and tambourine banging “Shoshana” to the boundless energy of the wailing synthpop on “The Wall’s Gonna Break You Down,” Squaretape always seems to find a place to squeeze some falsetto vocals in and harmonize with the melody. When all is said and done, there is just something plain fun about Squaretape."
- PlugInMusic.com
"Synth-infused disco with dancy falsetto
male vocals...This is just a fun listen."
-The ChickenFishSpeaks.com
"Excellent Band!"
-LooseyLucy's HQ
reviews
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Really great
author: DonnyThis is a great CD. I first heard Squaretape a few weeks ago during the Bay-to-Breakers run in San Francisco. As the others have said, it's a great mix of styles and well played.
- author: katieramone
i really enjoy the cd. i missed the band at footstock but got the cd anyway. its great music. i hope the band does well. they should..
Love It!
author: Aaron MosierI loved every song on the album, especially Rag Doll. It's a great first album, with a nice mix of styles to it. I really don't know of any bands that would be considered to have a similar style. A very unique sound indeed. Love the use of synth.
This CD Really Rocks!!!!
author: Bob EdwardsEverything about this CD rocks. It offers a great mix of funk, acoustic jam, and good ole' rock and roll. For me, the standout tracks are "Standing Offer" and "Shoshanna" although they all would make breakout singles. Buy this CD. You won't be sorry.
This is a really great first album for Squaretape
author: KirstenEach song on this album is very fresh and catchy. I recommend picking this one up and keeping an eye on Squaretape, I think they really have the potential to make it big.