You're Just In Time To Miss Everything

Early Internet

Independent release, 2021

http://www.earlyinternetmusic.com

REVIEW BY: Tom Haugen

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 04/21/2022

Under the songwriting moniker of Early Internet, Seattle resident Dean Stafford proves that he's well versed in dream-pop and indie-rock on this quick but very memorable first album.

Stafford starts the listen with thumping drums courtesy of Ben Masters and ethereal singing that floats across the very hazy atmosphere of “Blankets,” with this leading into the indie-pop meets post-punk spirit of “Burn The Red.” “Lesser Evil” sits in the third position and hints at shoegaze, where the driving melodies and punchy drumming won't go unnoticed or unappreciated. my_heart_sings_the_harmony_web_ad_alt_250

Deeper into the record, “Prove Me Wrong” displays atmospheric guitar with synthetic drumming with much attention paid to mood, while “Clinging To A Dream You Don't Want To Leave” recruits Caroline Loveglow's stunning pipes as electro-pop stabs enter the album's best track. “Are You Coming Over,” another exceptional track, then glides with an early '80s feel that might have you revisiting your New Order or The Jesus And Mary Chain records.

The final pair of tunes make quite an impression, too. “Nursing Back A Wing” touches on the onset of alt-rock with both calmness and busier moments that are present and appreciated, and “I'm Glad You're Happy” opens bare, but builds into an ebullience that parallels some of the best emo-rock of the '90s.

This is quite an exceptional debut album, and at just eight tunes, it ends much too quickly. While this album is probably most easily categorized as modern day indie-rock, there's a long list of influences present, too, and similarities to legends like Death Cab For Cutie, Jimmy Eat World, My Bloody Valentine or even Mineral aren't hard to spot.

For those who grew up in the '80s, there's a certain nostalgia present here that is quite infectious. And for those who haven't explored dream-pop, hazy post-punk or shoegaze-tinted song craft, well, you may as well start here, ’cause it's very well executed.

Rating: B+

User Rating: Not Yet Rated


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