San Cisco (2012)

Review

"I made a mixed tape with all the songs you hate"

Strangely we haven't reviewed any music since 2012 with our last CD review being San Cisco's EP Awkward. Here in 2014 I thought I better start working on the backlog and lo and behold first cab off the rank is San Cisco's self-titled debut album also released in 2012. It's like chaos theory baby, maybe a butterfly flapped its wings over in Freemantle or something. Okay we might be lagging a bit here but San Cisco certainly haven't been hitting the record studio recently either, though rumour of a second album is starting to come out of the West. Let's crack the whip and get down to it, San Cisco as an album is about what we would expect from an indie pop outfit making their first major release.

Fans of the band will immediately recognise the tracks Fred Astaire, Awkward, and Rocket Ship which have featured on previous EP releases. Yes it's that same infectious sound that will have you singing along and tapping your feet. San Cisco are unashamedly a pop act, their sound is built around catchy chords, solid chorus lines, but with just a hint of something deeper in the verse. It's noticeable in this album that the band are evolving toward deeper tracks, though there's certainly a lot of pop kitsch going down, especially on tracks like Beaches and Metaphors.

Jordi Daveison's vocals prove ideal for the song collection here, though I reserve opinion on Daveison's strength if San Cisco decide to move into more rock orientated output. There's a smoothness to the vocals that underlines the summer feel of this album. Offsetting Daveison is drummer/singer Scarlett Stevens who has this real bubble gum pop thing happening that works to keep things rocking on. Josh Biondillo, the band's triple threat, adds some at times irritating keyboards but keeps things moving with solid guitar work and vocals where required. No offense meant Josh; I'm not a big fan of high strung keyboards in pop music at the best of times. And rounding out Nick Gardner has this pounding bass thing, which along with Stevens' drums provides the required beat to songs that at times push the boundaries of what a pop song should be.

Okay I'm not going to cut any slack here, San Cisco like most first albums is a collection of songs defining where the band were in 2012. Yes there are some tracks that are regrettable, thankfully only a few, but overall it's a collection of tunes you are going to be happy with and which underline San Cisco as being a talented outfit. I was particular impressed with the tracks Beach and Wild Things, though on subsequent plays I have also started to really dig other tracks, for example Hunter. I'm adding the proviso here that the three songs from previous EPs are already on my personal play list, yes I cut reviews and code with San Cisco doing their thang in the background. Actually must admit San Cisco's Reckless was a notable non-inclusion for mine.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment with this album is there isn't a standout new tune that simply knocks your socks off. Most bands strive for that first elusive breakout hit with their debut album, and to be frank San Cisco haven't found that track with this album. On the bright side this means the definitive track for this band hasn't been released yet, somewhere in the future San Cisco are going to release their classic number that propels the band onto mainstream play lists. Sorry folks you are still going to be listening to Britney, Miley, and various other artificial acts torturing your eardrums for some time to come if you listen to commercial radio.

Overall then we have a collection of catchy pop numbers that are going to make you want to check out what the band might next be contemplating committing to disc. There's a number of standout numbers included, though to be honest different listeners will nominate their own favourites, yes it's a sort of greatest hits thing. I would recommend a number of plays before making a definitive statement about which tracks you like best, and be warned that isn't going to be a static list. I'm recommending this release to readers that don't mind a bit of snap, crackle, and pop in their listening diet. There's an infectious replay quality to San Cisco's debut album that will put a smile on your face and if I'm not mistaking have you tapping your toes to the music.

Parental guidance warning there's some naughty language on a couple of tracks, nothing the young people in your care haven't heard previously, but you have been warned.

I heard it on the grapevine that San Cisco are back in the studio this year with a follow up album, am I ever looking forward to that release, we'll bring ya a review of that release later in the year. Honest, we are going to work on more music reviews. Please note I've included the excellent clip for Wild Things below due to this site being your horror related place.