review: 60 watt kid – we come from the bright side

Title: We Come From the Bright Side

Artist: 60-Watt Kid

Released: 2009

Rating: 8/10

Overview:
The incredible soundscape known as 60-Watt Kid was born in San Francisco in 2004 as a new wave duo consisting of Kevin Litrow and Dereck Thomas, which released an eponymous debut album in 2007. They have since relocated to Los Angeles and recruited drummer Dylan Wood, whose presence created a completely different atmosphere for the now trio. This lineup has given birth to We Come From the Bright Side, released just last year, is an album I cannot seem to get off of my stereo, computer, headphones, anything. It is simply one of the best albums I have heard in a very long time, be it a major act or not. The sweeping synths, live looped guitar, frantic vocals, and energetic drumming are all serious forces to be reckoned with.

Track Analysis

1. 2012 –

2012, the opening track to this album, starts off in a slow fade, to which light subtle guitar loops are added into. These fragile riffs are then challenged by Wood’s forceful drumming, and dreamy vocals. This sonic collage sweeps the stereo panorama in a mind erasing, world ending way – possibly an insight into the song’s title. The cries of “dinner time!” heard in the background allow a certain jovialness to the otherwise stern lyrics.

2. We Come From the Bright Side

The eponymous track from this record is certainly one of my favorites, I will just be blunt about that. The live looped guitar and chorus-esque vocals make for a very spacious sound-scape (possibly a nod to the Edge and Bono?).  This is a must listen.

3. I Can!

This short 24 second bit serves as a great segue into the next song Golden Travels. Don’t hesitate to skip it, this just might make the next song that much better for you.

4. Golden Travels

Golden Travels is without a doubt the song that defines the 60WK sound. The looped guitars, the spacious pads, forceful drumming, echoing vocals all add up to create the personification of their sound. From what I have grasped, I feel that these guys view vocals as much more of a background to the music, a fresh breath of air from the norm, which causes the listener to focus more on the music.

5. Pressure

Pressure is a bit of an odd song of sorts. The bobbing vibrato on the guitar creates an uneasy feeling, and the screaming can be unnerving at times. It may seem to be an acquired taste for some, but I always enjoy it.

6. Take the Pain Out of Your Chest

This is by far my favorite song on this entire album. Probably my most played, not because of the song itself, but for the message. Each time I listen, I try to think to myself what that could mean. Take the Pain out of Your Chest. Is it a cry for help? Could it be a call to action? You should be the judge. This is the album’s magnum opus.

7. Waking Up on a Lost Road

Here we find the group reverting back to a common tone with We Come From the Bright Side, beginning with the looped guitar, but this time adding a more primitive sort of drumming. These, coupled with the light xylophone create an expansive texture. I’ll let you listen to it and hear for yourself.

8. PRAY!

Clocking in at just a minute and fifteen seconds long, it could hardly be called a song (Maybe even a transition perhaps?). Regardless, the organ stabs and buildups make it enough to give a listen or two.

9. Friends Again

Another song in the same pseudo-transition style as I Can! and PRAY!, Friends Again is a much more up-tempo number, with a pulsating synth chugging along to keep the beat. The melodic break makes for a great segue.

10. 2012 Breakdown

Here, the group goes back to the same themes as 2012, the “Dinner Time!” included. I think I have the same to say as the original song, as it appears to be just an extension (I still like it).

11. Emotions

This track feels a bit like a throwaway to me, the lyrics consisting mostly of nonsense lyrics and random bits. It’s not my favorite, but if you’re into something weird, go for it.

12. Virtual Plastic Surgery

The last of the pseudo-seuge songs, it comes in where Emotions left off, adding the even stranger sample of a woman saying “I’ll admit I was intrigued at the idea of virtual plastic surgery”. I also felt this was a bit of a dud, drifting away from their sound into a realm I don’t think I can explain. Give it a hear, and see for yourself.

13. Italian Waves

The last song of this incredible album consists of only incredibly dreamy guitar, drenched in echo, which makes me think of an ocean shore somewhere far off in the distance. But out of nowhere comes the music of a carousel, thus furthering the imagery of the beachside? It is a strange, yet fitting end to me.

All in all, I don’t think you will regret buying this record for a second. They’re a seriously talented bunch. Catch them next at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco on August 7th, and Mime School in Echo Park on August 13th.

60 Watt Kid – We Come From the Bright Side

PRAY! – 60 Watt Kid