“Fervent bedroom pop
with a jangly, lo-fi nod”

The Spires

A Way of Seeing

Ventura, CA

Recorded by Justin Dullum and Craig Costigan
Produced by The Spires - Mastered by Dullum

This infectious songwriting trio from the seaside community of Ventura has found its own sound. Formed in 2004, the Spires have three LP's and half a  dozen EP's to their credit. Each recording ups the invention and songwriting competence as the band refines its indie pop sensibilities.

It’s inevitable for a listener to draw parallels to the band’s influence, but a deeper listening exposes A Way Of Seeing as a great stride toward authenticity and solidarity. A Lou Reed tonality and the reverberating washed-out jangle of Zombies lingers, yet the varied pacing, exploration of electronic instruments and tight structure spark of originality. The Spires carve out long lyrical verses (“History of the Off Ramp”) and infect modern conventions by pulling away from traditional verse/chorus, sad/happy frameworks.

“Everything and Nothing at Once” is where the band hits its stride. The song is full of hooks; glowing with Jason Bay’s angular vocals, a chunky melody and guitar riffing that’ll drive the listener to hum for a week. “All You People” is another highlight, because it’s where the band tackles a bit of slow-motion  shoegaze. Bay’s vocals are effortless and crisp, paced with buzzing rhythm and marching percussion. The first half of the song builds with synths, call-and response harmony and waves of electric guitar notes. The second half of the song takes on a darker tone, elongating the track to the eight-minute mark while the brooding textures recall an early New Order-era ‘80s.

Overall, the Spires have finally released an album that has generated the kind of critical praise the band deserves. A Way of Seeing shows a band with deep roots and proper influences. Ultimately, the release finds the band exploring new ideas as they maintain a trademark analog sound. (Beehouse)

Christopher Petro....