EXCUSES EXCUSES — FRAME OF MIND — THE REVIEW
Cool and collected rebels Excuses Excuses showcase their kind of rock with debut EP, Frame of Mind. With envious and infectious hooks, all five of the tracks on it have a retro alt-rock feel, completing the band’s modern punk aesthetic.
One of the first tracks, “Alibis” show off the band’s old school vibes, with winey vocals and an modern version of the old-school rock feel. It is especially found in “Alibis,” with the guitar riffs and the understated and steady mid-tempo bass line throughout the track. Featured in the middle of the track is a guitar solo, that really pulls listeners into an old rock club atmosphere. The track “Rewind!” is the slower track on the EP, but it still maintains the power found in the other tracks. It opens stripped down before everything joining in again, turning the track into a relaxed mid-tempo jam. “(Is That) What You Meant?” is the defining track on the EP, with a louder and heavier opening than the other tracks. The vocals have a casual bite to them, particularly with the lyrics, “Follow your heart, that’s what they said/ follow your heart or whatever they meant.” It’s easy and great to hear the inner bitter punk come to life and in a modern way. The track also turns into something of an anthem, with the lyrics “I won’t run” becoming a kind of shout against the “them” Excuses Excuses is railing against and standing up to. It makes the track the most rebellious and a highlight off the EP.
Overall, I really enjoyed the debut EP from Excuses Excuses. The band comes through as the cool kids with old school rock vibes and relaxed and powerful instrumentals. The band creates a retro club atmosphere with their songs, creating a place for everyone to be the same kind of modern punk.
Top tracks: The Outsider, Rewind!, (Is That) What You Meant?
Rating: 5/5