SMD

Here is a band that i have been developing a fondness of lately. St. Louis, MO based So Many Dynamos. For those lit nerds out there, yes, that is in fact a palindrome. I was first turned on to SMD through their 2006 release, Flashlights. Flashlights starts out with the airy and uneasy track Saturday Night, Sunnday Morning. This is a perfect example of what a first track should do for the listener: set the stage. from the dynamic growth of the guitar and vocals to the very minimalist choir at the end, this track rings of intention. The rest of this album demonstrates the tightness of the ensemble and their ability to switch dynamics, key, tempo, and time seamlessly.

Then I decided to seek out their 2009 release, Loud Wars. This album ushers in a more refined and sonically crafted sound for the band. The production on Loud Wars is very apparent in that it helps bring a greater nuance to the already intricate arrangements. This album concludes with one of my favorite tracks at the moment, The Formula, a 6:18 epic romp through indie-electro rock heaven. the catharsis brought on by the conclusion of Loud Wars is hard to rival. Especially with the whole band chanting the final chorus:

"There's a place in the atmosphere,
Where the sound waves go when they disappear
Where the words you speak, no one should know,
Where'd you think that your prayers go?"


here is a live studio video of this track:


and to gain some insight to their writing process:



Check out their Website and Facebook Page.

-ap