Chicago-based Sharp Pins give us their raison d’être for rocking in “I Can’t Cease,” a basic youth anthem off their newest file ‘Radio DDR’ stuffed with fuzz, mod type, and hope.
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Stream: “I Can’t Cease” – Sharp Pins
Leading the “youth revolution” in Chicago, 20-year-old Kai Slater is thought largely from his Matador-signed band Lifeguard, however his skills actually shine in his solo undertaking Sharp Pins.
You would possibly acknowledge his debut Turtle Rock with an iconic cowl of a turtle constructed from carrots and caviar, a lo-fi bed room gem likened to The Kinks, Guided by Voices, and The Clientele. However even should you haven’t listened earlier than, Radio DDR solely reassures that Slater has lots extra catchy melodies to convey into the world.
I ran on the mistaken time
One thing misplaced in your altering types
And also you say it’s not me
However it’s by no means a very good time
Speaking it over with a very good pal of mine
And I squeeze all I can squeeze
And I consider you, I remorse it
And I consider you, I remorse it
And I consider you and remorse it
I don’t wanna become old no extra
Initially recorded on his roof along with his bandmates and launched solely on his personal Hallogallo label on cassette-tape, Radio DDR was launched as an LP by means of Perennial Data and the legendary Okay Data this spring. His labelmates embrace Bay Space’s glowing Now and Baltimore’s beloved The Smashing Instances. Radio DDR is pure pop pleasure, mixing jangly guitar with witty and unforgettable lyrics for followers of C86 bands and the British invasion.
“I Can’t Cease” is the album’s anthem. It leads with an upbeat guitar riff, seemingly easy but hypnotizing, bringing you into his colourful layers of sound. You’ll immediately need to dance. The music video is twee and do-it-yourself. Beginning with a shot of the empty avenue outdoors, you’re immediately locked into his kaleidoscopic world. It’s interspersed with taking part in with cut-out dolls, apple slices, and numerous shapes whereas Slater strums his guitar in entrance of a polka dot background he precariously put up. He rocks his signature mod haircut and a collared shirt protruding of a sweater. You’re working round his teenage bed room alongside him and his funky closet.
Sally was a sick baby
By no means believed in a person who’s robust
So she leaves, all of the boys weep
And I don’t imply to pacify
By no means been one to inform a lie
So that you see how I breathe
‘Trigger I consider you, I can bear it
After I consider you, I can bear it
After I consider you, don’t overlook it
I don’t wanna become old no extra, no
Even when he seems to be bored within the video, it’s a teenage have an effect on. Slater’s one of many liveliest musicians proper now and deeply rooted in DIY tradition. He graciously produced Finn Wolfhard’s debut album Completely happy Birthday on an 8-track tape, intimately recording between his condo, his rehearsal house, and Palisades Studio. You hear sounds from Slater’s condo on the file, his kettle whistling and footsteps. Finn even thanked Slater for letting him crash lengthy after creating pneumonia.
Slater isn’t any stranger to cultivating a group. His zine Hallogallo – immediately recognizable by its cute sheep doodle emblem – was born out of a disconnect through the pandemic. It brings collectively different youth-led Chicago bands such Horsegirl and Friko with well-known artists like Mac Demarco and Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab. The zine additionally publishes “Radical Commie-Pop-Discourzse.” Slater prioritizes an in-person presence as a lot as attainable by means of (largely) all-ages exhibits and his annual Hallogallo fest.
He lately performed his hometown on the First Church of Chicago with Now, The Smashing Instances, and an area pal, TV Buddha, asserting “post-beat, post-mod youth revolution pop musik” together with free pasta salad. His tour band contains Joe Glass on bass and Peter Cimbalo on drums.
I can’t cease
By no means actually stopped it
I can’t cease
Should you suppose I misplaced it
I can’t cease
Don’t you shut the door
Slater’s vocals in “I Can’t Cease” are clear by means of all the fuzz: “And I consider you and remorse it / I don’t wanna become old no extra.” He can’t cease growing older and experiencing all the bittersweetness that accompanies it, however he can lead us by means of the method. The music is fuzzy and welcoming like a very good pal you haven’t seen shortly. Like a secret whispered earlier than parting.
And also you’re down on the soapbox
Seeking to really feel younger and wild
And also you squeeze all you’ll be able to squeeze
In your tongue like a goodbye
Solely ask for what passes by
’Trigger you don’t want anybody to feed
And I consider you, I can bear it
After I consider you, I can bear it
After I consider you, don’t overlook it
I don’t wanna become old no extra, no
It’s uncooked in its angst. He seems to be down on folks on the soapbox: “And also you’re down on the soapbox / Seeking to really feel younger and wild.” He’s invincible within the second however rising pains don’t cease regardless of how irreverent you’re. On the very least, you’re immersed in its textures and the sensible ending of Slater repeating, “I can’t cease / By no means actually stopped it / I can’t cease / Should you suppose I misplaced it / I can’t cease / Don’t you shut the door,” till the music fades out.
You received’t need to shut the door, however fairly increase the needle to play the music once more. He received’t cease anytime quickly. And why ought to he?
I can’t cease
By no means actually stopped it
I can’t cease
Should you suppose I misplaced it
I can’t cease
Don’t you shut the door
I can’t cease (Don’t you shut the door)…
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Stream: “I Can’t Cease” – Sharp Pins
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