Review of the album “Heavy Afternoon” by Tebby & The Heavy
Tebby & The Heavy’s latest album, “Heavy Afternoon,” makes a powerful impact that resonates with listeners. This alternative rock band from Edmonton, known for their unique blend of alt-rock genres like shoegaze, psych-rock, and surf, comprises Tebby Curtis on vocals and guitar, Louis Mendez on bass, and Joel Bruneau on drums. Although Bruneau only plays on one track on the album, their sound is seamless with Justin Vernroy taking over the rest of the drumming duties.
Released in August this year, “Heavy Afternoon” is a debut album born out of disillusionment and the pursuit of renewal. The band describes it as a journey of navigating darkness while holding onto oneself. One remarkable aspect of the album is the prominence of the instrumentals. Despite their simplistic setup, the band’s music is not carried solely by composition skills but by the authenticity of their ensemble, making their tracks easily digestible and enhancing the overall sound. The result is music that could easily fit into a film soundtrack, with infectious melodies and a lively pace.
The album kicks off with “Don’t Wait, Don’t Bother,” an introductory track with unintelligible vocals and a sparse four-line structure. While simple, it sets the stage with steady drumming, rolling guitar riffs, and dreamy vocals that captivate the audience. Tracks like “I’m On Fire” showcase a similar minimalist approach with repetitive lyrics and a focus on electric guitar, delivering a clear and crisp sound that distinguishes it from the rest.
Drawing from various alt-rock influences, particularly psychedelic and shoegaze rock, Tebby & The Heavy infuse their music with a dreamy and ethereal quality. This is evident in the fuzzy, reverberating effects present in both the instrumentals and vocals, Curtis’ distinctive singing style, and the abstract lyrical themes woven throughout the album. One standout track that exemplifies the band’s signature style is the title track, “Heavy Afternoon.” The distorted instrumentals and surreal lyrics create an atmosphere of depersonalization and ambiguity that draws listeners into their world.
Despite being a debut album, Tebby & The Heavy demonstrate a level of artistry and skill that surpasses expectations. Their meticulous craft and unique stylization shine through in every track, offering both casual listeners and seasoned alt-rock fans something to appreciate. This band and their album are undoubtedly deserving of the attention and acclaim they have garnered, solidifying their place in the spotlight within the music scene.