The new album, Rememo ry, by Clockwork Kids is an enjoyable listen comprised of melodic melodies, punk influences and classical in struments. Though much of what comes out of the Trian gle area seems the same, this band stands separate, acting like a breath of fresh air. It’s an adventure to say the least.
Clockwork Kids is de scribed as neo- psychedelic rock, and to an extent it is, but the band covers an array of genres on this album with out any single element seem ing out of place. During the course of 12 songs, listeners can get to know and enjoy the band and its work.
Their sound is very ‘90s in the best way, including the vocals by Justin Ellis, who sounds similar to Brandon Boyd from Incubus. Ellis also plays bass, guitar and piano on the album. The rest of the talent in the band is made up by Dylan Abolafia, who plays drums and percussion, Patrick Carney, who plays guitar, bass and does back ing vocals, Jeff DeLuca, who plays the guitar, mandolin and does backing vocals and Chris Petto, who plays guitar, piano and wurlitzer.
The album is very dynamic, and the listener gets to expe rience the songs jump from upbeat sounds to melodi cally- intrinsic psychedelic sounds. But throughout these jumps in genre, vigor is pres ent throughout the entire al bum. This is the type of al bum that feels like the band members cared deeply for it and put all they had into it. The striking difference in the sound of Clockwork Kids compared to other modern bands is exactly how much it sounds like they care. It feels like the band cares about what it’s saying, which is re flected in the sound and qual ity of the music.
Out of the entire album, track six, “I showed you the river” stands out. The song is one of the slower songs on the album, and it is very heart-felt and powerful. The lyrics are really poetic and personal, which makes for an intimate listening experi ence. Powerful words fill the verses, “My world keeps spin ning whether or not you’re on board /And I don’t give a damn if your tears bring the flood /You cannot sleep on this, the sun never sets on you /You say you’re happy – I lie and I say I love you too.”
Those lyrics coupled with the melody makes a beauti ful song. Because of the in terpreted anguish behind the words, the listener creates a personal connection with the musicians and his or her own life.
Listeners and fans can also appreciate the use of additional musicians on the album who play a diverse number of instruments. The cello, french horn, violin, viola, hammond organ and bowed percussion all make an appearance in this album. It is fun to listen to the instru ments mix together to create a rock sound, something that isn’t always present in a lot of newer, modern bands that concentrate on a lot of elec tronic elements to augment their sound.
In addition to the music, fans can enjoy the bands en tire persona. Elements from the band name and even this album’s artwork add to the whole experience.
