Jeremy Aaron
08/21/08, 08:22 AM
The Substitute People – Wake Up, This Is Your Morning
Record Label: Four Six Productions
Release Date: September 11, 2007
There is usually a negative connotation that goes along with the word “substitute,” which generally refers to something that is, at most, suitable as a replacement, but not quite as good as the real thing. It’s an ironic choice for a band name, since the Substitute People don’t sound like they’re trying to be a substitute for anyone. Although they do display some obvious influences, they have a sound that’s all their own.
The harmonies that kick off “"Sheep," Said the Lion,” the opening act of Wake Up, This Is Your Morning, sound like Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys (which, by the way, is always a compliment), while the song itself has a modern indie-pop vibe. Lead vocalist Josh Lasseter and company continue to deliver fine harmonies on the next track, “Train to Nowhere,” only this time, the harmonies are definitely more Beatles influenced. While everyone from Panic at the Disco to Dr. Dog receives comparisons to the Beatles, the Substitute People’s harmonies are so uncannily similar to the Fab Four on this track that it almost has to be heard to be believed. The funny (and brilliant) thing is that the song isn’t really even “Beatle-esque,” falling more along the lines of jangly indie-rock, like Matt Pond PA.
The Substitute People really start to hit their stride with “Back to You,” which adds a prominent slide guitar to the mix, an element that is an integral part of the band’s sound throughout the remainder of the EP. It takes center stage again on “Seasonless,” (which also showcases Lasseter’s falsetto) evoking an atmosphere that’s equal parts alt-country twang and haunting haze, similar to Oakley Hall.
The real standout track on the EP is the lilting “A Girl I Know,” with its gorgeous gently-swaying melody and sparse arrangement, which allows Lasseter’s voice to take precedence, to excellent effect. The vocals on this record, whether Lasseter by himself or the equally terrific harmonies, are particularly strong, breathing life into the songs, whether they be about thinking for yourself, as opposed to being led by conventions or prevailing trends (“"Sheep," Said the Lion”), dealing with a woman who’s nothing but trouble (“Train to Nowhere”), or just plain old feelin’ blue (“Seasonless”).
With Wake Up, This Is Your Morning, the Substitute People have an EP that provides an excellent introduction to the band’s sound, displaying their many talents. Each of the six tracks finds great vocal melodies laid over diverse arrangements, and the songs range in feel from sunny to somber. Above all, one thing is clear: The Substitute People aren’t trying to take anyone’s place. They are a band with their own unique sound and they seem very comfortable forging their own path and simply making good music.
Matt Pond PA; Oakley Hall; Rogue Wave
myspace.com/thesubstitutepeople (http://www.myspace.com/thesubstitutepeople)
Record Label: Four Six Productions
Release Date: September 11, 2007
There is usually a negative connotation that goes along with the word “substitute,” which generally refers to something that is, at most, suitable as a replacement, but not quite as good as the real thing. It’s an ironic choice for a band name, since the Substitute People don’t sound like they’re trying to be a substitute for anyone. Although they do display some obvious influences, they have a sound that’s all their own.
The harmonies that kick off “"Sheep," Said the Lion,” the opening act of Wake Up, This Is Your Morning, sound like Pet Sounds-era Beach Boys (which, by the way, is always a compliment), while the song itself has a modern indie-pop vibe. Lead vocalist Josh Lasseter and company continue to deliver fine harmonies on the next track, “Train to Nowhere,” only this time, the harmonies are definitely more Beatles influenced. While everyone from Panic at the Disco to Dr. Dog receives comparisons to the Beatles, the Substitute People’s harmonies are so uncannily similar to the Fab Four on this track that it almost has to be heard to be believed. The funny (and brilliant) thing is that the song isn’t really even “Beatle-esque,” falling more along the lines of jangly indie-rock, like Matt Pond PA.
The Substitute People really start to hit their stride with “Back to You,” which adds a prominent slide guitar to the mix, an element that is an integral part of the band’s sound throughout the remainder of the EP. It takes center stage again on “Seasonless,” (which also showcases Lasseter’s falsetto) evoking an atmosphere that’s equal parts alt-country twang and haunting haze, similar to Oakley Hall.
The real standout track on the EP is the lilting “A Girl I Know,” with its gorgeous gently-swaying melody and sparse arrangement, which allows Lasseter’s voice to take precedence, to excellent effect. The vocals on this record, whether Lasseter by himself or the equally terrific harmonies, are particularly strong, breathing life into the songs, whether they be about thinking for yourself, as opposed to being led by conventions or prevailing trends (“"Sheep," Said the Lion”), dealing with a woman who’s nothing but trouble (“Train to Nowhere”), or just plain old feelin’ blue (“Seasonless”).
With Wake Up, This Is Your Morning, the Substitute People have an EP that provides an excellent introduction to the band’s sound, displaying their many talents. Each of the six tracks finds great vocal melodies laid over diverse arrangements, and the songs range in feel from sunny to somber. Above all, one thing is clear: The Substitute People aren’t trying to take anyone’s place. They are a band with their own unique sound and they seem very comfortable forging their own path and simply making good music.
Matt Pond PA; Oakley Hall; Rogue Wave
myspace.com/thesubstitutepeople (http://www.myspace.com/thesubstitutepeople)