Remember that feeling of excitement when you first stumbled upon a great new band? Of course you do, as you’re very hip, and like me, you’re almost addicted to finding that next sound. Well, it happened to me last night after being followed on Instagram by a Philadelphia rock/psych act called New Speedway then subsequently listening to their new album “Behavior: Holds.”
New Speedway is a cohesive, focused solo project (I knew it!) sprouting from the mind of Rocco Renzetti and, while musically it’s very interesting, his vocals are what sets “Behavior: Holds” apart. His voice has a deep, calm, almost smokey quality combined with a skill for (cheesy line alert) finding hooks amidst the tackle box. There’s true talent here worthy of your time.
Lyrically there’s fascinating darkness amidst the pop. Rocco told The Blog That Celebrates Itself, “This album has the most intimate of subject matters and it really got to me very deeply. My whole life sorta turned upside down and my heart and brain just sorta shattered. I tried to write and record honestly and make sure that all of my thoughts were there.”
This album may not be your cup of tea, as it’s drone-rock-pop but I think most will enjoy the third song on the album, a Beatles’ “Revolver” era psych’ pop blast “Eye Eye Eye.” If that song passes the sniff test, I suggest setting aside time to stream the whole album; you’ll be taken on an emotional journey of drone, pop and psych rock that is well worth your time.
Some songs, like “We’ve Got No Plans,” “So Good, So Mad,” and “Bringing Me Down,” are epic slow burners that are worthy conversation partners to Spaceman 3 and The Black Angels while the aforementioned “Eye Eye Eye” and “Once Said” would have fit well in the darker corners of Andy Warhol’s late 60′s L.P. collection.
If you like bands like The Velvet Underground, Spaceman 3 and The Black Angels, I think you’ll love this album. If you’re up for a new adventure in sound, I think you’d like this, as well.