Fri 9/30 @ 9PM
The Cleveland indie rock band called Extra Medium Pony is primarily a vehicle for singer/songwriter/guitarist Rick Spitalsky, who launched the project in 2010, following stints in bands such as Afternoon Naps and Dreadful Yawns. In 2013 the band put out their debut album 1 1868 on the formerly Cleveland-based Exit Stencil Records. Its personal, introverted nature demonstrated how much this band reflected its founder.
He’s now followed it up with the 12-track Meaninglessness, released on vinyl and cassette, also on Exit Stencil. Given its title, it probably wouldn’t surprise you to read that, according to that accompanying press release, it details “Spitalsky’s experiences with depression, isolation, introversion and self-consciousness.”
And while the lyrics are indeed almost universally self-immolating, the music driving them is surprisingly lively: the poppy “Too Late” is almost jubilantly perky and “Skin Deep” bristles with slashing energy. Overall, the effortlessly rocking music makes you forget how mopey the lyrics are.
The band will be celebrating the album’s release with a show at the Happy Dog. Lowly, the Tree Ghost and Chomp open. Cover is $5.
Cleveland, OH 44102