Released on the delightfully noisy Ever/Never Records, Chicago’s National Photo Committee‘s new album ‘Red Hot Photo Committee‘ is some of the finest in indie-twang, sounding exactly like what would happen if a group of photography nerds traded their darkrooms for a honky-tonk and started a riot. It’s loud, it’s jittery, and it’s arguably more caffeinated than a barista during finals week. Luckily, for those of us who enjoy our melodies with a side of sonic whiplash and a dusty, rural edge, the band manages to stay upright just long enough to deliver some of the tightest hooks to come out of that big dumb Windy City.
The record hits its stride with tracks that refuse to play nice with your eardrums while keeping that distinct Midwestern grit. “Foam the Field” is a standout that sets the tone with a certain scruffy charm, proving that you can be both chaotic and incredibly catchy at the same time. Then there’s “The Bishop,” which leans into a vintage, jagged energy so hard it might actually be wearing a skinny tie while leaning against a rusted pickup truck. But the real gold is the eleven-minute epic “Gizzard,” a track that balances shimmering grooves with a winding, experimental spirit that will be stuck in your head until the next solar eclipse. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to buy a leather jacket and a pair of cowboy boots just so you can look cool while feeling slightly overwhelmed.
Ultimately, ‘Red Hot Photo Committee‘ is a triumph for anyone who thinks easy listening is a slur. It’s messy, it’s vibrant, and it’s positive in that everything is burning, but the beat is sick kind of way. Just check this release out and go see them live if you ever get a chance.
Links of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/nationalphotocommittee/
https://evernever-records.bandcamp.com/album/red-hot-photo-committee