It\u2019s funny, the incredible effect of hearing something that immediately captures your attention from the very first second. There\u2019s a sudden rigidity that holds you in place, an almost primal fear of what caught you, but the deep inhalation of breath and slight tingling down your neck alerts you to your own reaction: you are entranced, eyes closed and allowing it all to wash wonderfully over you.<\/p>\n
With \u2018Murdering Crows\u2019 soothing, richly layered textures, evoking similarities to the likes of IRISV<\/a><\/strong>\u2019 stunning Todo lo que sabemos del cielo, todo lo que necesitamos del infierno<\/em>, or perhaps a more electronically infused Sara muerta<\/strong>, Other Americans\u2019<\/em> opening track cannot help but immediately capture your attention. With immersive synthesizers, bluesy guitar licks, and the hauntingly soulful vocal performance of Julie Berndsen<\/strong>, Other Americans<\/strong> introduce themselves with the depth and competence of a group intent on making a stellar first impression, and when continuing into the infectious electronics of \u2018Make Me Afraid\u2019, this is an impression that seems here to stay.<\/p>\n Indeed, \u2018Make Me Afraid\u2019 sees Berndsen <\/strong>seemingly completely in her element vocally, a pleasant surprise when comparing the style of the track to her former efforts: the \u201csexy lounge rock\u201d of the now disbanded Latenight Callers<\/strong>, but the sharp transition in style seems to have only spurred on the Kansas City vocalist even more. With Berndsen <\/strong>vocally carrying resemblances to the moodier, emotional delivery of Carina Round<\/strong>\u2019s \u2018Slow Motion Addict\u2019, while still retaining the more upbeat, soulful belts of the likes of Luces<\/a><\/strong> \u2018Savage\u2019, \u2018Make Me Afraid\u2019s addictive dance-rock sees a second impression offered that captivates just as much as the first.<\/p>\n In stepping forward into the second act of the six-track EP, this is where things are changed up a little: switching out the all-absorbing layers of synthesizers for a more stripped back, R&B flavored direction on \u2018Couple Skate\u2019, it\u2019s a track that takes its time in just enjoying the moment, Berndsen<\/strong> again completely taking the reins, while the contrasting \u2018Bhangra Vampires\u2019 explores the twangy guitar licks and upbeat percussion of an indie-pop track. Both easily stand as enjoyable additions to Other Americans<\/em> repertoire, with finale track \u2018Curtis\u2019 also pursuing plenty of \u2018Couple Skate\u2019s sound and style, but the sharp contrast in direction can be somewhat jarring when considering the gorgeous, moody aesthetics of the EP\u2019s introductory \u2018Murdering Crows\u2019 and \u2018Make Me Afraid\u2019. This being said, it can\u2019t be denied that Other Americans<\/strong> have certainly pursued these tracks with the exact same devotion seen on those that began Other Americans<\/em>, and these at least offer stylistic variety.<\/p>\n Of course, the final track of the EP to touch upon is it\u2019s penultimate, and what lays forth stands as Other Americans<\/em> most beautiful offering: with stunning opening strings and a sombre piano backing, Berndsen<\/strong>\u2019s croon throughout \u2018Pils\u2019 sees the vocalist at her most vulnerable. Gently swaying back and forth, \u2018Pils\u2019 displays a perfect example of the group\u2019s ability to evoke raw emotion, exploring more organic instrumentation while Berndsen<\/strong>\u2019s delivery drifts back and forth between being almost sultry, to what seems to be complete heartbroken apathy: \u201cThank you for your services – I close my eyes, and I\u2019ll be on my way.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n En conjunto, Other Americans<\/em> is an impressive piece of work. At its core, it\u2019s a collection of well-produced material from a talented group of individuals, and as the group\u2019s debut effort, is commendable. While yes, the somewhat jarring shift in stylistic direction throughout the EP can sometimes be more distracting as opposed to drawing the listener in, it\u2019s easily forgivable when considering the group\u2019s crystal-clear determination to create something engaging, something that differs from the norm as much as possible while still being accessible. With \u2018Murdering Crows\u2019 and \u2018Pils\u2019 being the clear highlights of an EP that delights in holding your attention, Other Americans<\/em> sets the stage for what eagerly comes next, and whatever that may be, there\u2019s little doubt that it will be extremely interesting.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"