Eagle Scout – New Hands – Review
Posted by Staff on February 11, 2010 – 10:25 pm -
Release Date: February 16th, 2010
Record Label: Cavity Records
Genre: Post-Indie
Being just near two years since their last effort, my thoughts of the indie five-piece Eagle Scout, had almost all but evaporated. That is until they pulled their resources together and recorded their first Cavity Records-backed, full-length, entitled “New Hands.” Thankfully they had kept a theme going by letting artist Kelly Latimore create another piece of artwork to stand as their cover — as I was a sucker for the Pandas featured on the front of their debut EP. Eagle Scout had gotten my attention the first time around because of how complex and haunting they could make their music because, even with the most basic of instruments.
This time around is no different. “New Hands” may have very little when it comes to trivial things like heavy production or catchy filler, but honestly hang ups like that are what get underground bands in trouble. Whether you are fighting tooth and nail to get recognized, or simply to share your ideas and thoughts, do it on your own terms, with your own talents. Eagle Scout does a wonderful job at doing the most basic thing that can bring success, not compromising. If you haven’t heard them before, they are in the same vein as bands like Cold Hand Luke and Minus The Bear. From those similarities you might expect ES to be a little soft and brittle, but to the contrary, this band has serious spunk to go along with their tender and soothing indie tracks that it might surprise you.
The guitars, for me, truly make this effort. The echoing and ever-busy fretwork is never dull as it weaves together resonating lone frets and harmonizing chords. It’s local to almost every song, from the amazing bridge of “The Decay,” the melodic chorus of “I Am Your Ghost,” and the bouncy intro of the Taking Back Sunday-esque track, “Currents.” The foundation of their bass and drums are equally as squirrely and provide a comfortable cushion with jumpy bass lines (ala “Spies Like Us”) and the stripped down, yet active percussion. Brandon Hunter‘s vocals sound very similar to both Julian Casablancas (The Strokes) and Adam Lazzara (Taking Back Sunday), so you can imagine the extra flair that is taking shape around their harmonized and catchy songs.
The band considers themselves both Indie and Post-Punk, which is a very good distinction between the standard indie band and Eagle Scout. There are far too much extra things going on with this band that make them shine brighter than the average, people should take notice. You don’t need big label money, or back breaking experimentation — you instead can speak truthfully and clearly, use your natural talents, and make a captivating record filled with evocative guitars, striking lyrics, head-bopping catchiness, and a few keys to mix it up a bit. “New Hands” is definitely one of my favorite records so far this year. ~Staff
Score: 4.5/5
Track Listing:
1. At Arms Length
2. Currents
3. Death Rays
4. Spies Like Us
5. Kites
6. The Decay
7. I Am Your Ghost
8. Weaker Science
9. No Devil Lived On
10. Our Body Is Walls
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