Words: Ryan Getz
Keeps are a psych pop band from Nashville, TN. How’s that for a bland introduction to a review?
Keeps’ music is definitely not bland. When you have psych mainstays of Columbus Turtle Island (whom have developed a friendship with Spaceface, a Flaming Lips spinoff of sorts) backing a band, I think that’s pretty significant.
While psych bands in my area tend to sway more toward the jam band variety at times, Keeps marches down a road where there is plenty of steady, driving rock and roll to go around. “Idle Desire” is a great example of this. You have distorted vocals over some old fashioned rock and roll riffs, and steady drumming all the way.
While we’re talking about endorsements, I’ll shout out another friend of Tuned Up – Dean Tartaglia. I first met him when he was a part of psych/bass duo Silent Lions. He now is in Secret Space, a band signed to Equal Vision Records; a label better known for their bands that tour the Warped circuit and alt rock circles than their psychedelic bands. This well rounded individual was the first person to formally hit up Tuned Up about covering Keeps on the site. When such a person endorses a band, you pay attention.
Keeps are on a run right now with the band Kitten, who I experienced live on their supporting run with The Neighbourhood. Can a psych pop band from Nashville be capable of touring with a female fronted arena rock group? Brief Spirit proves they can.
All of my previous rhetoric might lead you believe that Keeps is strictly a high energy band. Not the case. “Let It Fall (Keeping Time)” shows us from guitar work that sounds like it is straight out of the 80s while staying in rhythm nestled somewhere between slow and midtempo. Starflyer 59 comes to mind.
One of my favorite points in the record comes with the song “I’ve Been Scared.” I always feel a little apprehensive when I see songs that are 6, 7, 8 minutes long (unless I’m listening to a post rock band) because I know it’s either going to be really awesome or incredibly boring. Fortunately, with this song, I sort of settle into a relaxed mindset where I feel content. Not many bands are capable of penning song where an emotion of quiet contentment sinks in. I’m no songwriter, but I would think it would be easier to write a song that produces surges of adrenaline.
Brief Spirit confirmed a suspicion I had that Keeps was a hidden gem. Hopefully you will agree.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/214981515″ /]
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