With a moniker like Caveman, one could be forgiven for expecting a gritty, beer and sweat soaked foray into rock ‘n’ roll territory. Instead, on the New York band’s sophomore album, we have a breezy collection of glimmering indie-rock tunes with some folky-pop sensibilities. The band create a lush, atmospheric sound built around textured guitars, warm throbs of bass, understated percussion and washes of dreamy synths. Matthew Iwanusa’s smooth vocals provide a suitable foil for the shimmering, chilled-out soundscapes and ethereal atmospherics of the album.
The album gels together cohesively as it coasts along on waves of lilting melodies and a vaguely melancholic vibe amidst the breezier summer warmth that permeates the songs. It’s difficult to fault much of what this album delivers. The journey is a pleasant one which slips easily into the mind, penetrating the senses and lulling you into a contemplative, relaxed state. Yet something is amiss here. For all the song-writing charms and rich, layered sounds, there aren’t many occasions that really grab you and demand your undivided attention. Sure there are definite standout tracks here but mostly the album works as an atmospheric vessel and singular entity enriched by the poppier angle and overall melodicism of their song-writing.
After a soft, jittering opening, the album kicks into gear through the warm buzz, solid drumming and ethereal vocal melodies of the excellent ‘In the City’. Followed in quick succession by the equally mesmerising but slightly punchier indie-pop and wonderful basslines of ‘Shut you Down’, the album certainly starts off in impressive fashion. There are a string of songs in the middle section of the album that float by in a dreamy haze without making any great impact, though they reveal greater depth and subtle hooks through repeat plays, such as the mellow restraint and enticing vocal melody of ‘Changes’. ‘Never Want To Know’ is a later album highlight driven by its moody vibe and winding guitar lines amidst echoey vocals and punchy rhythms.
Caveman are clearly a band loaded with talent who have taken great care and attention to detail in forging this classy and accomplished album. Yet I get the feeling the band is still an album or two away from reaching their full potential and releasing something truly essential. Until then, this self-titled album makes a perfect Sunday afternoon or midnight come-down album filled with impeccably crafted melodies and a pleasantly chilled-out atmosphere.
Fat Possum
7.5/10
Reviewer: Luke Saunders