Join the always fun San Francisco-based indie electro-rockers My First Earthquake this Thursday (the 17th) at the Richshaw Stop for a release party for their (FREE) new four-song EP, “Crush.” After you preview and download the EP - get ticket info below.
If you have not had the pleasure of experiencing them, My First Earthquake makes rambunctious indie electro-rock with cheeky lyrics and effervescent beats. They have a sound that is part Mates of State, part New Young Pony Club, part Yeah Yeah Yeahs, part (more grown up) Operator Please, and part Blondie. Taken together, all of these parts add up to make MFE’s music a fun, infectiously danceable whole.
The band’s line-up is compromised of Rebecca Bortman (vocals and quirky lyric writing), Chad Thornton (keys / bass /songwriting), Andre Salcido (drums), and Dave Lean ( guitars / bass / keys and remixing duties).
The tracks on MFE’s first two releases, "Tremors" (2008) and "Downstairs" (2009), were mostly high-energy guitar-and-synth-pop-rock with a snarky sense of humor and a penchant for witty word play. Bortman's sassy and often slightly bratty vocals and lyrics treated topics that ranged all over the map - typically with a fetchingly self-deprecating wink and nudge (past review here).
With their new EP, the band adjusts the formula a bit. The four songs on “Crush” (player and download link embedded below) are more focused and tighter than what has come before. Recorded at Hyde Street Studios with sound engineering by Scott McDowell and production by Anthony Molina, some of the frenzied zaniness that often marked MFE’s sound in the past has been significantly toned down. By slightly taming the hyper-active frolicsomeness that marked their first two albums, more of the band’s musicianship comes to the fore. This approach will likely be more accessible to new fans that prefer a higher-brow sort of synth-pop.
But longer term MFE fans need not worry. The slightly more refined production on “Crush” cannot stifle MFE’s spunky and attitude-laden vibe. On the new EP, the band’s lyrics still have their witty bite and Bortman still delivers them with a touch of playfully punkish attitude. There are still the layered (deadpan) male background vocals. And of course, there are plenty of tasty electro-synth-rock hooks.
In other words, although a dash more polished and sophisticated, “Crush” is another dose of pure MFE awesomeness. Even with their sound a tad bit dressed up, MFE remains a uniquely funky and fresh sounding hidden San Francisco electro-rock gem.
Better yet, MFE has released “Crush” to fans old and new as a FREE download. All they ask in return is that fans help spread the word. So download the EP, check out their release party this week, get on their mailing list, and make sure the karmic laws of the universe do reward these very talented musicians who not only continue to make great music, but who are willing to share it freely.
For more about My First Earthquake, head over to the band's Myspace Page or Official Site. Also, check out this cool interview with the band by Amber Gregory (the SF Concert Photography Examiner).
Show info:
My First Earthquake at The Rickshaw Stop
with The Downer Party and The Attachments
Doors: 8pm / All Ages / $10 cover [buy tickets]
Contact the San Jose Indie Music Examiner
Email Steven with questions, submissions (albums for review, show info, etc), or just to say "hi."
Comments
Once again, Steven, you've really gotten what our music and our band and (dare I say) our mission to rock are all about! This is such an awesome review that totally nails on the head what we are going for.
Rock on!
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