A new album release from Spyderland brings an array of dueted styles that each create an atmosphere all their own as synths and keys accompany twangy guitars and a heavily cinematic approach.
The There's Monsters Outside album is packed to the brim with a combinations of natural and digital instrumentation that compliment each other tastefully as vocals paint pictures and keep you afloat just above the ground.
These are pop songs that utilize some outstanding textured sounds to build something that touches on retro-pop while it haunts slightly throughout its course.
There is something welcoming about this record. Like you've been missing it since your teenage years.
There is a certain warmth that it gives off and a familiarity is there but it's coming from the groups influences being brought together so well.
At times there is something almost alt-pop 90's about the album and other times it sounds like the soundtrack to a film that just came out.
That blend of old school and fresh sounds is apparent and really takes shape from song to song.
There is plenty of edge to the record but just underneath that edge is a dream waiting to be heard.
This record feels like a concept album for sure.
With such a massive release, we wanted to have a chat with Spyderland to talk shop.
Here's what happened.
BuzzSlayers: Let's start with the There's Monsters Outside album. This record has a killer rock undertone but certainly brings other genres into play. Where did this record come from?
MARIE/DREW:
We both have a long history of playing in rock bands and have always had a lot of admiration for a wide range of genres. A lot of our songwriting style goes back to a guitar and lyrics method. When creating this album and diving into production we found ourselves exploring an entirely new approach to songwriting that we were eager to explore.
BuzzSlayers: How did this all start for you guys?
MARIE/DREW:
When we met we both held lead roles in our own projects. Keeping 4-5 person bands together is always challenging and over time we realized our dedication to songwriting, and creating any musical project for that matter, was what we were both most passionate about, and prioritizing that just worked.
BuzzSlayers: I'm hearing a bunch of different styles on this record. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
MARIE: Metric, Jawbreaker, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Depeche Mode, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Neko Case, David Bowie, PJ Harvey, Bessie Smith, there's really just too many...
DREW: Nightmares on Wax, Tom Waits, Outkast, Queens of the Stone Age, Golgol Bordello, The Streets, Tears for Fears, I'm kinda all over the place..
BuzzSlayers: What's next for you as a band?
MARIE/DREW:
Ideally everything. We have plans for another album of reprises and remixes we're aiming to release before 2021 is over. We have some prospects with other artists for future collabs and also expect to whip up a handful of singles throughout 2022.
BuzzSlayers: Have you done any live performances? Planning any in the near future?
MARIE/DREW:
We play live all the time. At this point, we want to bring our songs to as many people as possible whether it be over airwaves or intimate experiences. We are planning a tour for late spring 2022.
BuzzSlayers: How do you guys write your songs? Is it lyrics first? Do you write them together?
MARIE: I usually start with a guitar progression, then melodies, and lyrics once I've got something I like. After I've written the song I present it to Drew and he creates beats and adds keys.
DREW: It's interesting how we both have our roots in writing lyrics, so sometimes they come solely from Marie, and other times solely from me. As we've grown together I think we're starting to get a good taste of what writing and composing together really feels like.
BuzzSlayers: Can we expect any music videos coming from you this year?
MARIE/DREW:
Yes. We're aiming for 3.
BuzzSlayers: Who are you listening to right now?
MARIE/DREW:
Cyndi Lauper, Lil Dicky, Jimmy Dore, there's a lot goin' on
BuzzSlayers: What really inspires you to write?
MARIE: A never-ending throbbing fucking heartbeat that won't let you stop until you're dead.
DREW: Agreed. It is a beautiful disaster.
BuzzSlayers: What are you all doing when you're NOT working on music?
MARIE/DREW:
Spinnin' records, painting, working day jobs, networking, partying..
BuzzSlayers: This album feels like a big undertaking. Is there any advice you have for other up and coming bands out there?
DREW: There'll always be room to improve and new things to learn. Life is practice, so just keep working on being the best you and your art will probably be your best art too.
MARIE: Keep creating. Keep trying new things. Stay focused and be in the present moment. Don't let the bastards get you down. Spearhead it.
BuzzSlayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
MARIE: Music was made to be heard, without you, no one's listening, so thank you.
DREW: We're only gettin' better baby!