One of our favorite movie soundtracks is “Empire Records.” The reasons why are endless, which I am sure you can also attest to, but we can undeniably narrow it down to one: the alluring sounds of Goo Goo Dolls – esque tracks with a dose of quirkiness. So for all you producers out there considering an “Empire Records'” remake, which we strongly advocate, we have the perfect soundtrack to put alongside it, Funeral Party’s The Golden Age of Knowhere.
We are not saying their latest album fits ideally with our description of the “Empire Records'” soundtrack. Most remake films incorporate aspects of the generation they were created in, either leaving the original piece fully behind or carrying certain parts along with it into the present. Funeral Party’s The Golden Age of Knowhere, has the innovative, young and indie aspects we once heard in “Empire Records”, but the album adds the disco and dance elements we march along to with today’s tunes.
The band consists of vocalist and keyboardist, Chad Elliot, guitarist, James Torres and bassist, Kimo Kauhola. The indie rock band met in California and chose to call themselves Funeral Party, after The Cure song of the same name. We like their train of thought already. This debut album dropped on March 29th via RCA Records. We got our hands on the “nomad” CD.
The opening track, “New York City Moves To The Sound Of L.A.” sways swiftly like a Broadway show tune instilled with underlining elements of alternative rock. The instrumental sounds, which are at their forefront in the beginning of track, define the word groovy in contemporary terms by including a bit more of a danceable spunk than we once heard in the 60s. The fast-paced and edgy vocals add that rock sound and the perfectly pronounced lyrics bring the tune into the theatrical category. All around the track is a strong beginning number that will gravitate the listener to press play on the other ten tunes.
Usually between the first and last track of an album, some of the songs in the middle get lost within the others. This common flaw falls very far from the tree with The Golden Age of Knowhere. “Car Wars,” and “Giant” both have contagiously energetic beats and powerhouse vocals. What sets them apart is the emotion that is expressed within the song. Elliot has such a dexterous control over his vocals that he is able to spark different sentimental appeals within the listener. Funeral Party can tap into the hearts of the most impassive person. We dare you to prove us wrong.
Leave those vulnerable hearts open because Funeral Party is slowing it down with the song, “Relics To Ruins.” Elliot sings at a much slower tempo, but that does not mean he is going to whisper the lyrics, which is a common error most rock and indie artists do when they approach a ballad. Job well done, Elliot, you do not fall into the rock ballad trap. His vocals remain as powerful as those in the upbeat tunes. The track is also a solid mash-up of various peaceful and relaxing vibes created by harmonizing vocals and melodic guitar rifts. Funeral Party, you move us with both your fast-paced and slow-paced tracks. We cannot remember the last time a band was able to keep us emotionally defenseless for more than the length of a single song.
The closing track, which is entitled the same as the album, incorporates introductory instrumentals that resemble chirping birds in nature. The beginning sounds are coordinated ideally with the lyrical composition of the song. Elliot sings, “Watch the birds carry on as we set for more.” The nature name drop persists throughout the song, bringing a feeling of serenity to the track. “The Golden Age of Knowhere” is situated in the perfect place on the album’s tracking list. The ending instrumentals don’t give you that curt closure we commonly hear in tracks. Instead, Funeral Party leaves you with a linger tune that will stop you from hesitating to click replay on the entire album.
by Lonnie Nemiroff
