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Denver Duo's Debut: Experimental Pop Hits
19 Sep
Summary
- The duo's debut album showcases catchy, pop-influenced experimental tracks.
- Gauntlet Hair's music has surprisingly broad appeal, even appearing on ESPN.
- Despite indie roots, their sound has influences from chart-topping artists.
The Denver-based experimental pop duo Gauntlet Hair has unveiled their self-titled debut album, a collection lauded for its surprising ability to create "headphones-friendly fist-pumpers." Though associated with Denver's D.I.Y. art space Rhinoceropolis, their sound ventures beyond strictly avant-garde prefixes. This is evident in their 2010 single, "I Was Thinking...", which aired during an ESPN special, and drummer Craig Nice's cited influence from Beyoncé.
The debut album, recorded at Andy's grandmother's house in Illinois, showcases the duo's decade-long musical partnership. Guitarist Andy R. utilizes delay and chorus effects, creating percussive and expansive licks, while Craig Nice complements this with beats reminiscent of Timbaland. Vocal comparisons have been drawn to No Age and Japandroids, though Gauntlet Hair's lyrical delivery is often half-decipherable, conveying emotion through atmosphere.
Featuring nine tracks, the album avoids direct inclusion of past singles like "I Was Thinking..." or "Out, Don't..." Nevertheless, each song offers distinct potential. Tracks such as "Showing" provide romantic smolders, "Mop It Up" delivers a jittery throb, and "Overkill" features sparkly arrangements. The closing track, "Shout in Tongues," evokes Animal Collective with its repeated shout, demonstrating the band's diverse sonic explorations.
