Pocket Bandits is a 3 man band bringing a fresh new coat to live music with a genre-bending twist.  Comprising Electric guitarist Joe Massa,  drummer Simon Bjarning and keyboardist/melodist Samuel B. Lupowitz, the band deliver an intense 9-track project titled Nine by Pocket Bandits.

 

The project is the band’s debut and it reaches the heights of a seasoned group whose live performance work has informed their studio work. The opener “Death of a Latex Salesman,” is a rumbunctious pop-funk tune emboldened by rich guitar lines, rousing drum grooves and thick basslines that evoke the urgency of getting things done. The title is quite hilarious and adds a cheeky touch to the track. The title “The Pocket Bandit” is an embodiment of their nonconforming style and ability to stray from the expected. The trio go overboard- in a good way- on this dynamic rock banger. From the solo guitar licks, energetic drum arrangement and cinematic synth-laced backdrop, that leave so much for listeners to uncover. We then move into the playful “Midway” which is bolstered by flickering Hammond organs and flashy guitar riffs that soar into an epic crescendo.

 

The project thus far sticks to its deep musical roots and the trio create a plethora of vibrant and engulfing backdrops that capture their versatility in a snapshot. Tracks like “Take Care” and “Did I Stutter” bring soul-stirring arrangements to the forefront with complex layered instrumentation. The former is punchy, scenic and edgy while the latter sounds like the score from an 80s rom-com montage scene. Each instrumentation cuts through the mix and audiences can hear clearly how the syncopated drum patterns align with the pulsating electric guitars and overall pacing that underscore the musician’s synchronized approach. The band tones things down with the solemn vibe on “The Bridesmaid’s Heart,” a soft moody ballad that dives into matters of the heart. The overall emotional punch is thick and audiences are thrown into the mix with much vigour. “Second Drink” is another playful piece from the trio who have matched strengths as the thick bass-driven grooves are punctuated by the dynamic Hammond organs. The project comes to a close with the reflective “A Watched Pot,” which evokes sadness and offers audiences some insightful vibes where their thoughts can simmer. The slow build-up is exciting and reaches a climax as the song progresses. The final track “The Sidler” sounds like the last call for drinks for the night. It has a farewell, bittersweet feel. The guitars are slick and add a counterpoint note to the plucky synths and punctuating bass arrangement.

 

Overall, Nine by Pocket Bandits is such a complex and layered body of work that it’s not fair to describe it in words only. The proof is in the listening and you have to listen from start to finish.

 

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