Sallies Deliver A Massive Rock Record with Tons of Raw Energy
- BuzzSlayers
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
An album release from Sallies delivers a soirée of rock approaches that range from indie to grunge, garage rock, alternative, and pretty much everything in between, and they do this by way of utilizing unique guitar work that just feels like it came from underground rock of the 90s at times, which is something that gave me bouts of nostalgia and pulled me right into the record.
There is a certain kind of rawness that comes with this record. It's got it all over its tones, textures, and most importantly, energy. The energy on the record is perfect.
At times, certain tracks make you feel like you're in a live performance. Maybe they recorded it live, all at once, together in a room, and the synergy between the players is just flowing.
When you listen to these tracks, it does feel like everyone is feeding off of each other, and that is what gives it that intense sort of live performance vibe.
The record is called RETRAUMA, and it kicks off with the track called "Uglys", which is actually a great introduction to the album itself, simply because you're getting some of the staples the full record boasts.
You have rambunctious guitar work, that live energy, all kinds of cool effects on the vocals, a little bit of sort of lo-fi garage rawness, and it all fits together like puzzle pieces.
What's cool about tracks like this is that although it does give you this sort of loose, grungy feel, it's got amazing progressions and arrangements.
Some of those changes took me by surprise, and I really enjoyed that.
"Eyeliner" kicks off with these sort of bendy guitars, slamming drums, crash cymbals all over the place, and they're definitely giving off that wildness on this track.
"Torn Hubris" showcases more of the band's pop sensibilities. This is a catchy track, but still has that great grunge approach; the vocals are melodically driving but sort of animated and in your face, even though they are buried in certain kinds of effects once again.
The guitar work across this record is absolutely outstanding and really makes it work perfectly. There are all kinds of cool layers going on, giving the record depth, and certain tracks have vastness in their undertone as well.
"Reset" is the album sing-along. This is a hands-in-the-air, crowd-pleaser for sure. Definitely hitting on the garage and grunge once again but giving you these memorable vocals that feel like a crew of people singing at once.
It automatically gives you the urge to sing along, and if you're listening to it in the car, you probably will be by the second or third chorus.
By this point in the record, you start to really pick up on the band's many influences.
This is the kind of album you listen to all the way through, from start to finish. It makes me think of bands like Local H blended with early Nirvana, and dipped in those underground 90s rock bands like Hum.
It's an amazing blend of soundscapes and approaches, and when you listen to the record, it really has a way of engulfing you.
Listening to one or two tracks may give you an idea of what you can expect, but it will not give you anywhere near the full spectrum of what the album has to offer.
I wouldn't skip around on this record whatsoever.
There are loads of surprises around its corners. "Flipside" is a damn near perfect example of exactly that, as the track starts giving you all kinds of Metallica-style guitar harmonies, different approaches, and a bit of a heavier tonality.
At times these guys make me think of bands like The Offspring, early in their career.
You get the sense of fun. There's a hint of whimsy coming from the record that lets you know it doesn't take itself all too seriously at times.
Don't get me wrong, some of the lyrics get a little deep and personal, but I feel like the energy, tone, and fun of it all sort of take that over.
So, if you're looking for a record that blends alternative, Indie, grunge, garage, and more, then this is the album you're looking for.
It holds very little back in the way of being inventive, experimental, and intense.
Again, I'm going to say that you should listen to the record all the way through from start to finish.
It's absolutely the best way to soak this album in. Also, listen to it loud. It's meant to feel like you're there in the moment with the songs. Listening to the album on a good high volume level is key when it comes to jamming on this record.
So, take a deep dive into this album now, and remember where you heard it first.