Filmstrip
Filmstrip hits hard with their debut album Everything Can Change. A lo-fi, indie rock release, the album pulls together nine songs as a showcase of what their capabilities are and what to expect and anticipate in the future. A live performance from them only confirms your swaying and foot tapping – don’t worry, they have a show on Fri 2/11 at the Beachland – and you have another opportunity to see them in person.
Everything Can Change doesn’t waste time pulling in an audience: the first song and title track is arguably the best piece on the album. Sticking with the trademarks of punk rock, the song pulls together varying paces, light to heavy vocals and rough harmonies. Lyrically, the song lacks specifics, letting listeners fill in the blanks with their own tales of exhaustion and frustration.
The next songs on the album follow suit, although wavering with the low vocals of “Ohio” and lyrics of “Near,” (“When you’re near, it makes me want to die.”) Other songs on the album that really stand out – ones you should go out of your way to listen to: “Shells in the Meadow” and “Should Have Seen It Coming.” They do really well with the instrumental portions of their songs, varying them as much as the vocals.
The lo-fi sound of Everything Can Change gives the album a ’90s flare. As with lo-fi music in general, there are many sequences on the album during which I want to crank the vocals up, leaving me to wonder whether or not the music quality is covering up for flaws and shortcomings within the music. To investigate further, I caught Filmstrip’s set when opening for Tapes ‘n Tapes last Monday at the Grog Shop. They definitely don’t boast baby smooth vocals, but I’m fairly sure they’re not going for a boy-band appeal. Like the first listen to their album, I was roped in early with Everything Can Change. Performed live, each song took on its own personality, giving them a dynamic not seen as clearly when recorded. Assuredly a musically satisfying show, on the personal side Filmstrip’s performance didn’t spend time with background stories or real audience engagement (discounting their requests for hugs after the show).
Swing by the Beachland Tavern this Frid 2/11 to see Filmstrip alongside other Cleveland natives Rainy Day Saints and Prisoners at a benefit show for the Waterloo Alley Cat Project. Bring dry or canned cat food and get discounted admission! Learn more about Filmstrip: http://MySpace.com/filmstripohio.
Laurie Wanninger is a Cleveland convert, having lived in Pittsburgh for 20 years. After attending John Carroll University, she was sold on the city and now lives, works and breathes Cleveland. Spare time is spent DJing Music for Your Laundry List at WJCU 88.7, bicycling, going to local concerts and dreaming of microbrews and National Parks.