Local band creates impressive EP album

By Thomas Cornelius

Senior English major

Thomas CorneliusWith the release of the “Dolphins and Brides” EP in the summer of last year, Rock Hill’s own Senseless Beatings both created and conquered some very curious ground in the musical landscape. 

Some songs on that extended play suggested some interesting and downright thought-provoking ideas, both lyrically and musically. Others were certainly designed with a certain comedic flair that didn’t always mesh well with the former. 

If this wasn’t at times jarring, the very distinct sound of a flute chiming away throughout the five tracks made the quintet even harder to place in the sonic spectrum. 

Was this a gimmick? An experiment? 

While the individual songs were actually quite enjoyable, it was hard to figure out exactly where the band was coming from much less where they were headed to.

A little less than a year later we finally know and, to be succinct, any grievances (or confusion) brought on by the “Dolphins and Brides” EP has been remedied in the band’s first proper long play, “After History,” a concept album that paints the end of World War II as the turning point for mankind. 

But confusions aside is not to say the record isn’t marked with sheer variety, for it most certainly is. 

The intro track is somehow reminiscent of “Sunshine Superman” era Donovan while the second song abruptly shifts to a driving baseline that wouldn’t sound out of place on a late 90s Frodus record.

Fast forward to the segue-way track “Intermission,” a stripped down minute long affair that would fare well in a playlist alongside John Cash. Two songs later, I thought I had actually found a “Streetlight Manifest B-side.”

All this style roving, however, seems to be the result of the band actually writing music as a group this time around, rather than tacking on parts to frontman Chase Brown’s solo work.

What ensues is, despite its almost innumerable nods and influences, a very cohesive, unified whole of an album that sounds completely intentional and never derivative. 

Also, while one may at first be apprehensive about listening to yet another concept album, the organic, natural flow of the music is never impeded or sacrificed for sake adhering to thematic content; rather, the band sings about issues that are relevant regardless of whether they were meant to fit a theme.

The production is actually slightly above what would may  be expected from a DIY effort. 

Though it is not marked by the glossy, pristine feel of a larger budget project, it is perfectly suitable and enjoyable enough for those who wouldn’t know DIY means “do it yourself.” 

If you recognize only one of the aforementioned artists from which “Senseless Beatings” takes a queue or if you really want lyrics that are a good step above their contemporaries, it may be worthwhile to give this record a listen. 

 You can buy Senseless Beating’s “After History” online at Bandcamp.com. 

If you prefer to wait and make sure the singer is good looking before you fork over your hard-earned cash, at their live show at New Brooklyn in Columbia on Thursday, Jan. 27.