Generationals

TheOwlMag on Generationals

Generationals Heza [Polyvinyl Records]

You can sum up Heza, the third LP from New Orleans’ Generationals, in two words: evolution and minimalism. Though Generationals’ sound is largely still generated by guitar driven melodies provided by Grant Widmer and Ted Joyer, Heza finds the band dipping its toes into new territory giving electronic instrumentation a more prevalent role than in any of the duo’s previous full length albums.

“You Got Me” exemplifies this concept of progression and simplicity composed entirely of quivering pulses that are both rhythmic and melodic tracking repetitious mantra-like chanting as previously seen in songs like “Yours Forever.” The incorporation of layered electronics is subtle and does not go as far as their 2012 EP Lucky Numbers, which most closely bears a resemblance to electro-pop than any other genre. Widmer and Joyner have not lost their ear catching indie-pop appeal by any means. Heza immediately jumps into the familiar sound of buoyant guitar riffs with Joyner aloofly cursing a bad memory on “Spinoza” and the boisterous clamor of bells during the chorus of “Put a Light On” easily draws a smile to your face. Generationals have subtly toned down and simplified their characteristically rowdy version of indie-pop making it much more nuanced and interesting.

TheOwlMag on Generationals

Generationals Actor-Caster [Park The Van]

Generationals‘ latest album combines the best sounds of britpop with powerful riffs that will just make you want to get up and dance.

One of the strongest tracks on the album is “Ten-Twenty Ten.” If you can hear this track and keep your feet from tapping, you have a problem. Lyrics like “you remind me of a distant constellation” provide this “fun” album an additional depth that few bands can achieve. Another stellar track that turns things down a bit is “Yours Forever,” a casual love song with a bit of an electric feeling. Consider it the centerpiece of your next mixtape for a lover. “Dirty Mister Dirty” brings a little bit of true rock to this fun album. The track also brings a pseudo falsetto that’s fun for all. One of the more diverse tracks on the album is “Greenleaf” – a track that starts with some sweet piano keys and ends with the same tune.

The album is much recommended for any fan of “fun” music bands or anyone looking for something a little bit deeper than your average indie album. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

TheOwlMag on Generationals

Generationals Lucky Numbers [Self-Released]

Releasing an EP in between full length albums is a common occurrence among indie artists these days. Functionally, EPs fall into two categories: previously recorded tracks that didn’t make the cut on the preceding full-length album or tracks that preview the band moving in a slightly varied direction. Generationals‘ forthcoming self-released EP titled Lucky Numbers shows the New Orleans duo of Ted Joyner and Grant Widmer moving into new and sonically edgier territory.

The downfall of Lucky Numbers is that it’s only three tracks. But in those three tracks we see Generationals moving away from their guitar heavy sound to a lighter electro-pop aesthetic reminiscent of The The‘s early 1980s album Soul Mining. The gauzy keyboards on the first track of Lucky Numbers, “Hazel House,” mirror Joyner’s airy vocal delivery where lyrics are nonchalantly uttered rather than deliberately enunciated. The twinkling synth lines that open the title track are more rhythmic than melodic and Widmer’s monotone vocals along with the bass cut through the crispness of the synths rounding out the tonal depth of the song. Of the three tracks,”Sale City” is the most akin to songs on Actor-Caster – it’s heavier in guitars and broodier in feel, but this darker vibe is counterbalanced nicely by the call-and-echo vocals between Joyner and Widmer.

Generationals’ catchy indie-pop sensibility is commercially appealing, but at the same time it remains a tad bit offbeat and edgy. If Lucky Numbers is a preview of what is to come from the band’s next full length effort, we think you’ll be pleased with the direction the boys are going.

Buzz Bands LA on Generationals

New Orleans-based garage band Generationals have come a long way since 20092s "Con Law." Their "Trust" EP and sophomore record "Astro Castro" garnered even more acclaim as their sound honed in on their strength: pop hooks. They've switched labels since their last release (Park the Van was responsible for previous releases), and their sound has shifted with the move. "Heza," slated for a release on April 2 via Polyvinyl, will have songs with more breathing room. Working with producer Daniel Black, some songs will even have an electronic tint, but our first taste of the new album doesn't have us more here

PASTE's Best of What's Next on Generationals

New Orleans indie-pop duo Generationals released their second full-length album, Actor-Caster, several months before we talked to him for our “Best of What’s Next” issue. But guitarist/vocalist Grant Widmer, while flattered by the recognition, isn’t even sure what the title means   more at pastemagazine.com

Quit Mumbling on Generationals

Tweet Ten-Twenty-Ten by Generationals from Jubadaba on Vimeo . "Ten-Twenty-Ten" by Generationals by forcefieldpr more here

Quit Mumbling on Generationals

Tweet Ten-Twenty-Ten by Generationals from Jubadaba on Vimeo . "Ten-Twenty-Ten" by Generationals by forcefieldpr more at elbo.ws