Single File – Common Struggles
Single File, a band from Colorado, has achieved moderate success over the years having being named as part of Myspace’s top ten unsigned bands in 2006. Beginning as a swing jazz trio, they have grown quite a fan base with the release of just four EPs in five years. Common Struggles is their first full length album to be released, but the second to be recorded. Interestingly enough, Single File had previously recorded Benson Shady Grove in 2006, but this album was never given the green light. Instead Single File went on to sign with Reprise records, releasing their fourth EP and finally in 2009, Common Struggles.
Common Struggles is a nice blend of pop and rock, providing a style similar to Something Corporate. It portrays a laid back feel about experiences that are hard to handle but not unique, hence the title. The band uses a clean style by never opting for synths, yet still expressing a pop side to their sound. Reminiscent of the 90s pop rock bands, they have still managed to keep up with the times and provide an enticingly catchy sound. The best part of this three piece band is their knack for creative and simple melodies that not only compliment the vocals, but stand out completely on their own.
Mannequin Loveseat is a prime example of how Single File approaches sad themes in a clever and upbeat manner. The lyrics at first glance may seem a bit emo, but the lines are cleverly written. The chorus is a funny but relevant statement about the adolescent male experience of being alone. Beyond the lyrical mechanics, Mannequin Loveseat has a great melody that’s calming and still keeps up with the pace of the song. It’s also very full and vibrant with guitar, piano and drums being the most notable instruments. The vocals work quite nicely, although there isn’t much range to them, the varying paces give the song volume and fluidity. Overall Mannequin Loveseat is a fun take on an everyday socialistic problem.
Single File has several songs that poke fun at real world issues, especially those dealing with the trials and tribulations of love and lust. Girlfriends is one of their most notable tracks, and has since been featured on the CW channel. Again, it uses a clever chorus that can seem so relevant, yet listeners will find themselves taking a sarcastic point of view rather than a feeling of relation. But the great thing about this album is it features more than just nonchalant tracks, and feel-good rhythms. There is a very good amount of meaningful and serious songs that are just as catchy but go a different route in terms of tone and sound.
Some of my favourite tracks of the more meaningful variety are Blue Sky Happiness and Benson Shady Grove, both of which have very happy and pleasant themes. By having the melodies become less out there, and more consistent, listeners can already grasp the nature of the music. The vocals also make a change, and the overall flow of music is very lucid and sober. These two tracks are hopeful in the pure sense and not bound by sarcasm or witty one-liners.
The rest of the album is filled with songs that fall between the two spectrums. A good mixture of tones, the style is still always there. Common Struggles as it is so appropriately named, is a great album that makes light of tough problems that most people tend to go through. Obviously in hindsight these problems are very minute, and I think this is what Single File tries to expose. In the end listeners are treated to a very delightful album that forces only smiles and happy thoughts. Perhaps this album is the solution to an otherwise, common struggle.
Check out their website for more info.
Single File – Mannequin Loveseat
Single File – Blue Sky Happiness
Tags: album
check out our review of single file’s common struggles at reviewrinserepeat.com