By Way Of Introduction // The American Scene

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By Way Of Introduction // The American Scene

Sick of The Dangerous Summer and their high school drama? Listen to The American Scene. They’re frequently compared, but unlike their peers, The American Scene haven’t incorporated all of that alcohol induced, internet fuelled garbage; Instead they have focused on their comforting blend of indie rock/ pop punk. This is what we call “music” - the important stuff which believe it or not matters, despite the evil threats of appearance and avoidable drama many bands class as a higher priority.

The American Scene doesn’t need an association like that to be as confident and solid as their group is though. The settled quintet from Berkeley, CA are poised and self-assured in what they do, and rightly so. The music The American Scene gives to us is significantly more forward-thinking than their peers.

The band’s debut on Pure Noise Records, By Way Of Introduction, deals with the idea of distance, both physical and emotional. The album kicks off with the title track which serves as a promising introduction to a record that flows with optimism. Seamlessly rolling into “Did You Hear About Your Friends In California?” The American Scene present punchy, catchy riffs whilst keeping a soothing element courtesy of vocalist Matthew Vincent.

Vincent’s vocals are reminiscent of the respected Kenny Vasoli (The Starting Line, Person L) and indeed, AJ Perdomo (The Dangerous Summer) in tracks such as “Home” and “Marty McFly, Nostradamus, and I” which contributes an uncontrollable foot tapping and sing along combination to a record that is incredibly polished for such a young band. Like many songs on the album the track is easily relatable, recalling stories experienced when growing up such as, “Well, I remember being good at looking to the future/ But, I’m always burying my heart in places apart/ From where I lay my head.”

On a record that’s enjoyable from start to finish, highlight tracks surface near the end of the album in “Killed Off in the Second Act“ and “Another World Beater” which are also the most catchy in the half hour of reassuring bliss. The latter track sports one of the most memorable and upbeat choruses. The harmonies and call-and-response work of Vincent and guitarist and back up vocalist David Taylor soundly complement the fullness of three guitarists. Ending the album is “A Million Minutes in the Making,” the punchiest track, perfectly tying together guitars and drums in timely precision.

By Way Of Introduction is a debut album that any young band in the scene would and should be more than pleased to begin a discography of full lengths with. Despite comparisons and similarities, The American Scene are unique. Further listens of this record since commencing this review only make me realise more how unfair it is to even mention The Dangerous Summer altogether. The American Scene are in their own scene, and it’s pretty exceptional.