by Dan Goldin (@post_trash_)
Atlanta’s Scare Quotes formed just before the pandemic hit us all, the band coming together with the mission to create music with each member playing an instrument they don’t typically play. This process allowed them to play by feel more so than by any technicality, though they certainly had plenty of time to get familiar with their new instruments upon quarantine. As often is the case with talented musicians, they can seemingly pick up any instrument and make it look easy. With an experienced line-up that includes Nathan Springer (Floral Print), Lily Zwaan (Food Court), and Scott Riley Irvine (Narrator), the trio are set to release their debut EP, Tactics, on April 22nd via Super Wimpy Punch (High Pony, Sinwat, The Chives) and Rope Bridge Records (Nag, Web, Divi.jpg).
“Tomato,” the album’s lead single proves that the members of Scare Quotes are all capable of playing their new instruments, and their songwriting is most definitely interesting. Beyond your rudimentary garage rock, the band opt for something akin to art-rock and noise-pop, with a sweet melodic sensibility pushed ever so slightly by their tangled composition. The rhythms are nuanced and full of texture, bouncing together in off-kilter time with the bass’ slow plod. The guitar scraps against it all adding a degree of tension to the otherwise bright melody, with the song working itself into dense knots and skittering dirges. Lyrically it would appear to be about trying to appease someone cooking by getting them a tomato… which they don’t use and the disappoint that results, you know, the important stuff. Always remember to use your friend’s tomato.