Commonweather – Commonweather EP
Review By: Geoff Burns
Chicago’s four-piece alternative/emo band Commonweather independently released their self-titled EP in November and it contains great potential. For a band that is starting out, the four-song EP demonstrates a high level of already established sound that makes the band what it is.
The self-titled EP starts with the track, “The Albatross,” ultimately about not wanting to live the way someone else is who is full of negativity. It’s a great way to start the EP, as we hear just a few distorted notes of the guitar before the vocals from Justin Olin and Patrick Maloney immediately chime in saying, “I’m just not listening, nothing can change my ways, this future’s set in stone and you’re just dead weight.” They carry the same momentum with the fast and heavy track, “Bedridden.” There is a door we’re forced through with this track that shows a softer side to the band while still maintaining that angst and aggression Commonweather will be known for. The EP ends with their song, “Erase Your Name,” the slowest and softest track on the release. It’s a great closer to the EP because it demonstrates a change in pace and shows creativity the band has. It’s also a great tactic by not becoming too bored with the same sound from the previous tracks.
While this release shows a promising sound for Commonweather, give them some more time and a few more releases and they will have their own defining sound.
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Rating: 4 out of 5
Recommended Tracks: “The Albatross” “Bedridden” “Erase Your Name”
