by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Community Records have been keeping New Orleans' indie scene alive for the better part of a decade, releasing outstanding albums from bands like Caddywhompus, Pope, Sexy Dex & The Fresh, Gland, and countless others. Welcome Keeping to the fold, a new band with an already stellar pedigree. The trio of Tyler Scurlock (Sharks' Teeth), Robert Landry (All People), and Greg Rodrigue (All People) recorded their debut album Ruin Value early last year with Ross Farbe (Video Age) and they're set to release it on March 10th via Community. With all three members contributing to the songwriting and vocals, Keeping's debut is diverse but cohesive. The band have existed for the past few years in a live setting, and we're happy to share their recorded debut, Ruin Value's first single, "Empty Portal".
With one foot firmly planted in the dreamier end of post-punk and the other in breezy indie pop, Keeping's sound is relatively soft yet filled with texture. "Empty Portal" opens with a warm fuzzy envelope over the song's catchy vocals as Scurlock (guitar) and Rodrigue (bass) take turns leading the driving melody. The song eschews a traditional chorus in favor of quick winding refrains and fuzzy bass lines that are more than capable of sweeping you into Keeping's immersive sound. The song peels into the crescendo of the third verse, subtly amping the intensity with a natural progression that doesn't jostle the song's calm atmosphere. Ruin Value has a lot to offer as a record and Keeping are a band worth... well, keeping an eye on.
Keeping's Ruin Value is out March 10th via Community Records. The band will celebrate their album release show on Saturday, March 4th at Hey Cafe.