Young indie rock upstart The Soft Pack released its first full−length CD on Feb. 2. The self−titled album demonstrates the group's keen ear for writing happy−go−lucky garage pop songs that are saturated in equal parts maturation and angst. Vocalist Matt Lamkin writes freewheeling, inspiring lyrics that reflect the psyche of a young man who is sure that he is unsure, yet defiantly set in his ways.
The group, formerly known as The Muslims, chose to change its name due to ignorant and racist comments it received. Regardless, the name change is a perfect reflection of its musical content and upbeat mindset. The group creates accessible indie−pop music that draws influences from '60s and '70s rock groups, while skillfully retaining its own unique sound.
The album cover is a photograph of the quartet, ankle deep in the Pacific Ocean, which is fitting. Listeners can literally taste and smell the surf through the speakers. The sun−soaked vibes of the Golden State emanate from the San Diego−based group's boisterous 10−track album. The guitarists are frenetic and frantic like unpredictable ocean waves. Bassist David Lantzman does a great job of keeping the bass lines groovy and tight in time with bombastic drummer Brian Hill.
The group works within the paradigm of surf rock — influenced heavily by genre pioneer Dick Dale — but still manages to have a firm grasp on the aesthetics of garage, punk and hard rock. On songs like "Pull Out," the group creates a punk−infused surf rock anthem that sounds like it was recorded right on the sand. The band also adds a hint of the tropical rhythms and melodies that have been popular in the indie scene in the last two years.
Still, a current of noise, feedback and sloppy playing gives the songs a wholesome and human sound. Some of the guitar solos in particular try for a level of harsh dissonance that is inappropriate given the context of the group's pop sound.
Backed by exuberant and youthful instrumentation, Lamkin's vocals sound as content as any young person's could while staring down the imminent threat of middle age. His biting lyrics are in equal measure ironic, hopeful and despondent. He is not completely overcome with either sadness or joy, but there is certainly an air of despair behind the lyrics. On "Down on Loving," Lamkin sees, "the sun and the sky/ and it looks so good," but his "mind is getting darker like a young man's would."
"C'Mon," the album's opening track, is a prime example of Lamkin's searing hope. Lamkin admonishes the listener to not buy "the look/ Just plant the seed/ Wait 'til it grows into a tree/ Find what it means" The lyrics are poetic but bare, and easily discernible. Though this certainly adds to the song's catchiness, Lamkin's obvious meaning takes away from the depth of his words.
Despite the group's myriad influences and moody lyrical nature, the group is still unabashedly making pop music. The lyrics are straightforward, and the songs are catchy and fun. The album clocks in at a little over 30 minutes, but there's a lot of punch packed into that small time frame. The Soft Pack makes music that anyone can enjoy and will undoubtedly be rocking gnarly beach parties for years to come.
