There are a couple things to be said about independently-released, seven-song, self-titled EPs. One, they are not proper albums, and they should not be treated as such. And two, the best ones do not attempt to show where a band is, but where that band is going. Listening to The Changes eponymous debut is like watching a high school phenom in the McDonald’s All-American Game. The flaws almost accent the potential, and most everyone overlooks the occasional sloppiness and moments of poor decision-making in favor of fantasizing about what would happen if those mistakes were avoided. You will never claim this record as your favorite. But one day you may be bragging about how you heard it before anyone else.
For now, though, this is a work in progress. The Changes make cool-kid pop in the vein of The Police, but the real sonic touchstone here is Phoenix, whose 2004 release Alphabetical appears to be the blueprint for everywhere The Changes want to go.
This is not saying that they don’t sometimes get there on their own. Opener “When I Wake” is already a show-stopper, the most upbeat tune on the record, complete with the most hummable hook. It’s also the least Phoenix-like, and it’s a good sign that the band is choosing to promote the single with the best chance of giving the boys their own identity.
Fittingly, after “When I Wake,” the next best song is almost definitely “When I Sleep,” with its sleepy refrain of “So listen when I say don’t start.” Unobtrusive harmonies add a layer of depth here, and the interplay between guitar and keyboards keep the beat moving forward. “The Machine” is also an early highlight, blending surf-rock vocals with that hi-hat rhythm currently being used by 97% of bands being played on alternative radio. It’s probably the second single.
Even the misfires show ambition. “If I Tried” is full of potential, but the synth blips toward the end recall a certain French band I’ve already talked about too much. “Her, You, and I” is the band’s attempt at a magnum opus, but it fails to gather steam and makes six minutes seem like a grueling lifetime. It’s probably safe to say that distorted guitars and The Changes just shouldn’t mix.
All in all, though, the pieces are in place here for something special. It will take a little more time (two more albums before greatness seems about right), but there is a lot of promise in these twenty-six minutes. Keep an eye out. |