Quiet Company, Indie Music Review
Are you in an award-winning rock and roll band? No? Neither am I. I did get an award for most ridiculous hair in High School, but that was quickly outshined when I started showing off my new hairstyle in my 20’s- the receding hair line. There was that award for journalism that showcased my column on entertainment as the best in the industry. That was quite an accomplishment. Of course, I left the award in the attic when I moved into my new house and it’s there somewhere…
Well, awards are silly. Awarding creativity is sillier. What is good? What is bad? Who judges this? Austin based group ‘Quiet Company’ are no stranger to awards. They built a pseudo-career out of impressing judges and intriguing fans enough for them to vote. Underneath the glamour and glitz of promotions and massive festival dates and award-winning performances, lies the actual music.
And it is inspiring. Lyrically, the album is a vivid adventure of self-doubt and confusion. Beneath the lyrical battle is a series of guitar-focused arrangements and synth layers that come together with full intention to make sweet rock songs, easily digestible, deeper than expected.
‘Set Your Monster Free’ could easily be seen as a cute little ditty, yet underneath the glossy production is a song about demons and mental reflection. ‘You, Me, and the Boatman’ is a crunchy guitar-driven track that remains an album highlight. It’s lyrically poignant and somewhat abstract, making for a tender balance between immediately comprehensible and metaphorically adventurous. It’s also got a great hook.
The song titles are a bit wordy, but simultaneously memorable. The album also drags at 13 tracks, becoming a bit more than what was needed.
Does Quiet Company need recognition from some lofty festival owners to feel justified? This is the exact opposite of my impression upon listening to their music. It’s rife with self introspection, doubt, questioning, and more spoonfuls of the contemplative nature of humanity. Nowhere do I hear front man Taylor Muse requesting attention; nowhere do I hear a call to award.
Check out Quiet Company at the CMJ Mezzoforte Showcase October 20th.
If you can’t make it, find comfort knowing that Quiet Company are being properly awarded for their work with nice little golden naked men and shiny discs. Because their work not only shows that they are savvy at the promotional end of the music game, but they get properly rewarded for making music that speaks, sings, and drives with vitality, life, and vivaciousness.
Click HERE for news, tour dates, and background information regarding Quiet Company.
