Rock Report: Annuals / The Dears @ Cat's Cradle
I swear, if it happens again, I am going to pledge to become a huge Annuals fan.
If what happens again, you ask? If the band attempts to upstage the headliner, that is. Last night, Raleigh's Annuals opened for Montreal's The Dears at the Cat's Cradle. I was introduced to both bands last year, and have become a big fan of The Dears, after having heard their song "Whites Only Party," from the Gang of Losers album. I've become fond of the fairly simple melodies to which songwriter Murray Lightburn attaches political/social observation and wistful nostalgia for young love, gained and lost. Many compare Dears to Morrissey and The Smiths, and such comparisons are apt, but there also exists a tendency to explore cinematic anthems and sonic tropes of shoegaze that is much more explicitly delved into by Annuals.
If what happens again, you ask? If the band attempts to upstage the headliner, that is. Last night, Raleigh's Annuals opened for Montreal's The Dears at the Cat's Cradle. I was introduced to both bands last year, and have become a big fan of The Dears, after having heard their song "Whites Only Party," from the Gang of Losers album. I've become fond of the fairly simple melodies to which songwriter Murray Lightburn attaches political/social observation and wistful nostalgia for young love, gained and lost. Many compare Dears to Morrissey and The Smiths, and such comparisons are apt, but there also exists a tendency to explore cinematic anthems and sonic tropes of shoegaze that is much more explicitly delved into by Annuals.
Annuals are usually compared to Arcade Fire, but there is a strong Beach Boys/Brian Wilsonesque pop influence as well. Light, bouncy melodies find themselves at home just as well as the youthful discomfort and frustration one expects from young songwriters. All of their songs become anthems, filled with catchy tunes, but also untold energy and fierce attacks.
This is a band to watch.
The Dears are also worth watching, but they would much rather be listened to, and with this I find no fault.
This is a band to watch.
The Dears are also worth watching, but they would much rather be listened to, and with this I find no fault.
