BY NAOMI GRACE
PHOTO BY TITANIC SINCLAIR
Claiming to be a “DIY rock band”, Blame Candy is an uprising band with a sound reminiscent of “The Cure.” Their premiere EP, EP1, is 14 minutes long and thematically embodies both late 70s rock intertwined with a modern alternative sound. These four songs empower listeners to overcome the ‘social misfit’ stereotype.
The first track titled “LIFE LIKE YOU” is an anthem for those living within the lyrics - those feeling personally attacked by a society that is unsympathetic towards social outcasts. Musically, this song involves a demonstration of simple chord progressions done well. One of its strengths is the catchy hook with the triple eighth notes after the bridge and the ending. Simple arrangement ideas like these intrigue the listener to anticipate what might be next from Blame Candy. The smooch at the end was a nice touch boys!
“I can’t stay to watch my heart go,
I choose not to let myself go,
No I’m not gonna live my life like you”
PHOTO BY CORY INGRAM
The second track of the EP is titled “HUSH.” Complementary to its name, the lead vocals are soft and sultry - almost hypnotic. This is the song of the EP that best showcases the lead singer’s vocal range. Both verses feature a balanced blend of his chest voice and falsetto. When the bass guitar enters in the second verse, this arguably completes this song and drives it to where it wants to be. The song describes him pathetically waiting for his love interest, blinded by the fact that she’s completely uninterested.
“I’d give every piece of me to you,
Just like a fool in love”
The record titled “WHEN I WAS COOL” seems more lyrically than musically driven. Meaning - that this song began as a cool (pardon the pun) philosophical perspective and the music was added as an after-thought. There is an unconventional chord structure provided as well as a distinct tone in the lead guitar. In all honesty, I don’t quite know what to make of this song other than the chorus. This song describes complacency as almost a good quality inferring that sometimes you are just better off without certain people in your life.
“I don’t need anyone who was my friends when I was cool
Where’s everyone who was my friend when I was cool”
The album ends off with a personal favourite called “TOXIC BOY.” When I first heard this track, my initial thought was ‘wow - these lyrics are ingenious’ and bang-on for all of us who have experienced that “toxic boy” in our lives. Blame Candy adopts the fresh sound of singing extended vowels across measures that tie the song together perfectly. The smooth vocals provide a nice contrast to the cheeky lyrics being sung.
“It's all a game of sympathy,
He can do what he wants 'cause his life was hard.
He’ll beat you up then play the victim,
It's honestly best to stay far away.”
Blame Candy incorporates their signature repeating guitar riffs throughout the album that is utmost groovy. The strength in the simplicities make the album what it is. Friends, roll down the windows of your car and embrace the musical therapy this band has to offer! Blame Candy’s EP of 2016 is one that demands to be heard.
FIND BLAME CANDY ONLINE
PHOTO BY RYAN JAY