Two Drunk Guys Review: The Districts | A Flourish and a Spoil
B: As you mentioned in your review of Telephone, The Districts had a lo fi sound that suited them well. They don’t have that sound anymore, this album is polished as shit. Well shit isn’t really polished. Diamonds? Fuck man, whatever. This production tells me they will be the next in the line of bands like The Arcade Fire or The War on Drugs going from indie favorites to Rolling Stone darlings.
My other first impression that I can’t shake is that this album sounds like the Strokes. Especially the first couple tracks and some of the songs at the end of the album like “Heavy Begs”. Remember when The Strokes were the biggest band in the world? What the fuck happened to those guys?
C: Ah The Strokes… well apparently Julian Casablancas invented a time machine and went back to the 80’s to make shitty synth-pop because this is what he’s doing now. But in all seriousness, I’m into the new album. I didn’t pick up on the Strokes vibe at first but now I definitely hear it and I think it has a lot to do with the production.
Overall I really like the songs but the lo fi vibe is definitely gone which is a little unfortunate because I think it really helped capture the essence of how these guys play live. I’m probably a bit bias here but the energy of a good live performance is worth it’s weight in bourbon to me…. and The Districts have it by the barrel. However most people don’t want to hear the ‘rough around the edges’ album they want the ‘nice polished’ album. That’s what they’re used to.
B: I actually like the new album too it just wasn’t what I was expecting so it takes time to adjust. Even the Strokesy tracks are pretty good. Other sounds are growing on me like “Hounds” which I hated at first because I can’t for the life of me understand why every band now needs at least a song or two to demonstrate how high they can sing. And not like 80s metal high notes, but every indie bands wants to show they can sound like a haunting, singing ghost. Ghosts sing in high hipsters voices in case you were not aware.
My other disappointment with this album is there is none of the blues/country/folk influence that was there on some of my favorite earlier tracks like “Funeral Beds” or “Lyla”. I mean I wasn’t expecting them to bust out the washboard (although I wouldn’t have minded) but the sound of A Flourish and a Spoil is not what I wanted. And of course my desires matter more than the bands’ or anyone else’s that may consume them. Musically. Not Sexually. Or Canabalistically.
C: Hahaha why not sexually? They’re supple young boys in the prime of their lives. Face it, we’re just old dick bags, we’d be lucky to have them. I would have to agree with you though. The folk rock thing they had going on was what initially got me into them. I would have loved more of it in this album…. but that being said it’s been growing on me. I’m really into Peaches and while it’s nothing like the 90’s classic, of the same name, it’s been stuck in my head much the same way the original once was. Also, I’m realizing now that song probably came out not long after these guys where born… fuck me, we really are old dick bags.
Suburban Smell was also one of the real ‘stand out ‘tracks for me. Maybe just because it’s one of the most lo fi and folky sounding tracks on the album, but it’s also got this stumbling sincerity that makes it feel really honest.
B: If you start another band (or become a purse designer) you should name it The Old Dick Bags. And you should should play only folky/blues/alt-country covers of The Districts’ earlier stuff. And I will be your only fan. Let The Districts and their new album win over the young kids who like their polished music, and their iphones, and their avocado sandwiches.
C: Well so far the music game hasn’t been panning out out for me but I have always had an eye for purse design. Anyways, it’s a solid album and I’d recommend it. Even to people as old as we are.
Disclaimer: Empty Bottle Evenings does not condone drinking and writing in any way, shape or form. However, if you do decide to do it just remember: Write drunk, edit less drunk.
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