Hey ODPH Society! Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this time. For this Parlay points blog, I’m going to be reviewing the debut album “In Search of An Exit” from the band Yard Party. Unfortunately due to the C-19 shutdown, our slated interview is on hold until after the shutdown limitations are limfted. As soon as they’re up, We’re going to be having them in studio to talk about ISOAE & much more.
In case this is the first time hearing of Yard Party, here’s a quick bio (all info is from their webpage: yardpartyband.com). Yard Party is comprised of Dave Oliveri, Ryan Roosa, Tyler Roosa, Zach Ford & Tim Lewis. The band has grown from Oliveri & Roosa connecting & playing on open mic nights. Building the foundation of the band with Roosa, Ford & Lewis in 2017, Yard Party was beginning to start playing shows in late 2018. The album has been in creative production since Summer 2019. The result has just hit all streaming platforms on March 27th 2020
ISOAE captures a pure alternative sound you expect to hear with a band that has various influences. Credit has to be given to Scott Rasmussen of Rotten Elk Studios for honing such a sound throughout the album. “A Plane out of Phase”, the standout track from the album is prime example of this. From the soaring vocals from Oliveri & Roosa to sudden upswitches of the rhythm from the rest of the band, “Plane” stands out for it’s mix of styles that has you hooked from the opening note. “Pendulum” is another great example of how diverse the sound is on this album. It has a Snow patrol/Blue October haunting melodic lullabye feel to it, before the tempo change hits again.
The lead single “The Chains that bind” hits the ground with a more upbeat rock feel that has a QOTSA sound echoing in the guitars. Not to be outdone, “I Left the stove On” showcases solid lyrics with the band’s harmony. Simple reflection and change song formulas don’t apply here. Trying to break down each song as a certain style comparison is not an easy task for this album & that is a huge win for the listener.
Overall, ISOAE is as alternative as you’ll hear anywhere. From the writing to the musicianship, Yard Party shows it’s strength for being able to carve their own path without falling into a category. Each song has it’s own feel to it & each listener will have their own opinion on what it sounds like. Overall, there’s only one correct answer everyone can agree on: ISOAE sounds like a great album.
ISOAE is available on all major music platforms. For more information: yardpartyband.com