Cheeckface are an indie rock trio from Los Angeles, California who comprise Greg Katz (vocals and guitar), Amanda Tannen (bass and backing vocals) and Mark `Echo` Edwards (drums and percussion). They released their send album `Emphatically No`. earlier this year and now have a four track extended play ` Emphatically Mo’` out this month which in essence is a set of b-sides.
This release kicks off with `Reward Points` and it`s a kind of spoken word oration on the perks offered by banks and supermarkets to cardholders as a reward for every time they spend on their cards. It would seem the narrator is left on their own now that a friend has had all the benefits of the narrator`s rewards package. There are some delightful harmonies throughout and a brief fuzzy guitar solo in the latter part. Delightfully captivating.
We have a quite melodic outing with `Running Back` which if i`m honest i`m not really sure what it was about. A day in the life of possibly or maybe something deeper triggered by the musical track listing offered throughout this number, decide for yourself.
`Ted Talk City` is a fast paced surreal diatribe that happens to hook in the Ted Talks, which are speeches from expert speakers on education, business, science, technology, and creativity. I`m not sure whether the narrator was pro or con, but I have to say I loved the line “You blinded me with Scientology” real class. A marvellously abstract life observation.
We close with `Friend Mountain` which i`m sure is whatever you want it to be. An enthralling stop start track with howling harmonies, cowbells, an enthralling drumbeat and even some scratching thrown in for good measure. One thing I picked up from this number is that “wearing a big hat makes you look smarter”. I`m off to purchase a Stetson!!!
I have to say there was so much to enjoy on ` Emphatically Mo’` which had songs that at times were idiosyncratic, eccentric and curious but also quite unique, thought provoking but hugely entertaining. Their sound at times does tip it`s hat to artists such as Lou Reed, Jonathan Richman, and David Byrne but it my opinion that`s not a bad thing.
Cheekface will certainly put a big smile on your face.
Rating 9/10