Though pretty much the last year I listen to various forms of electronic music or hip hop, I do occasionally go back to rock. It’s not that there is anything wrong with it, but I just don’t have the same love for rock that I used. But sometimes bands come along that try do something new, but with elegance, and I really appreciate that. California Wives is one such band. I’m no music critic so I can’t eloquently compare them to past acts and sounds all music-criticy. But I can say that their style is familiar and fits into the grand musical mythos as elegantly as The Pixies or New Order. And, having said that, they are original and fresh. They use a fair amount of synthesizers which personally pleases my tastes and manage to find a comfortable spot between indie rock and electropop.
Just a note about the production: I know the vocals are really quiet, but apparently they recorded this themselves in their basement. Which is no excuse but it’s still a great effort.
If you want to hear the latest Chicago sound then check out their LP. They play shows in and around Chicago, so if you live there, keep an eye out.
California Wives LP or you can get the torrent here.
