A new single release from Grids & Dots delivers a flowing and almost freeing style of indie pop rock that features elements of post-punk and brilliant guitar lines that flow throughout the songs ether which gives it this sort of atmosphere that feels robust but also really good.
This is something I absolutely adore about the "Imposter Friends" single because not only do you sort of get engulfed in this really lush and sort of vibrant atmosphere, but you also can tell that there is some realness behind the lyrics and that they came from some place that meant something.
You get honesty with this track to an extent and I definitely dig that because it gives the song a lot of character.
Everything from the drums to the guitar tone and also this great sort of synth pad that sticks throughout the song give it that classic and almost vintage post-punk style and soundscape, but they also do indeed mix that with an indie pop feel and the combination of the two makes things sound slightly dreamy and almost cinematic in a way as well.
I definitely loved the vibes that this gives off because it's a colorful song and the lyrics do grab you in certain ways and it makes me think of classic fans like the cure for example where the lyrics can be a little more serious at times or even kind of selling but the music is poppy and bright.
The vocal approach is sort of subtle and certain words are held out longer so that it almost serves like an instrument that's layering another melody on top of the already robust song but it works so well that it almost comes off charming.
I also really love the sort of energy that these guys give off because it feels like the song was recorded live on the floor to an extent and that everyone involved is sort of feeding off of each other the whole time.
This gives the song the sense of feeling sort of alive and breathing.
Something that I have to touch on that I would assume other reviewers wouldn't so much, is the mix of this song.
Now here's the thing, a song like this captures a certain aesthetic and as I mentioned earlier it's that combination of classic tones and I'll certain level of dreaminess being combined to create that atmosphere that you let wrap around you.
Has a beautiful way of sort of swimming around in the air that surrounds you and the way that they are able to accomplish that is not only by great song writing and performances that lend a hand to that kind of atmosphere, but it's the mix of the song as well.
You have to have a great balance for that aesthetic to come through and the effects are playing a big part as well. For example, there's this great sort of guitar hook that plays throughout the song and that guitar is dipped in reverb just enough to let everything feel wet along with other elements that have similar effects but not overdone.
Those kinds of things along with that synth pad really let the song feel big and expansive which is part of what needs to come through for the song to make sense.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure if you saw these guys play it live and they were completely void of all effects it would still sound amazing but the way it comes through on the record gives you a certain feeling because it gives off a certain feeling.
They were going for something and they absolutely nailed it and I just need to mention that the mix of the song plays a huge hand in that.
This was a beautifully constructed and gracefully performed song that shows a certain kind of charisma and presence as a band and a lot of this has a pop coating that lets hooks, melodies, and chorus stick in your head for hours or even days after the song has ended.
The only way to satiate something like that is to go and listen to the song again.
Take a swim through this track as soon as you can because you certainly won't be disappointed anytime soon and when you do, try and do it with headphones on because it's the best way to really soak in all the layers of sound and textures that are happening.
Comments