Traffic
Self-Released, 2020
9/10
A Cleveland outfit spearheaded by Rick Spitalsky, who has an impressive resume playing in bands like Dreadful Yawns, Afternoon Naps and Herzog, this 3rd album from Extra Medium Pony resides somewhere between indie, punk, folk, and lo-fi, while never really fitting into any definitive category.
“We Will Watch Them Grow” starts the listen soft, with an organ and smooth vocals from Spitalsky as backing vocals and percussion enter later, and the title track follows with firm guitars alongside playful indie-pop that’s as creative as it is atypical.
Closer to the middle, “Moonlit Floor” moves gently with hushed vocals that sounds like they’re coming through the AM dial, while “Can’t Explain” glides swiftly with a lively beat alongside plenty of rhythm in an indie-rock template. “I Tried”, the album highlight, then recruits harmonicas on a warm and jangly display of folk-influenced fun.
Near the end, “Stupid Teeth” thumps with a retro energy that builds into a quirky, fuzzed out rocker, and “Father Time” exits the listen aglow in acoustic strumming amid frisky modern-rock that we will never tire of.
Self-described as ‘dirty indie-pop’, though Spitalsky has a condition called phobic anxiety and often isn’t comfortable leaving his house, he takes some help with cello, violin, synth and drums on this charming and extremely unique record that will appeal greatly to those who know and appreciate names like Lou Barlow, Doug Martsch, and Ben Gibbard.
Travels well with: The Rentals- Lost In Alphaville; Sebadoh- Harmacy