The debut record from indie rockers The Upsides sees the Brooklyn based outfit rekindling influences of the golden days of indie rock and bringing their own unique spin to it all. From the guitar work which is reminiscent of their perhaps largest influence in The Strokes, to a slick and infectious vocal performance across each piece, the record is stuffed with moments of bright enthusiasm and infectious melodies that have you harkening back to some of those rock groups you might have grown up on.
Surf rock is always a treat to listen to in my eyes. There’s something raw about the genre, something so evidently unfiltered and pure in the expression not just in the vocals but also in the instrumentation and arrangement. It doesn’t waste itself on polishing or luxury, choosing instead to revel in the grittiness and authenticity. The raucous riff on the titular track, immediately having you harken back to the early 00s work of The Strokes was an immediate grabbing moment for me, seizing and reeling me into the rest of the record. And, boy did it not disappoint.
The more mellow and easy going beginning of Gold Rush has you eager for more, as it builds with a perfect progression towards a chorus that’s as easy going and light hearted as you’d imagine. Holy Water has a bit more spunk, a bit more character, and a little bit more swagger. It’s a deliciously groovy piece that you want to dance to. Finally, ‘Lucy from Hermosa’ feels like a track with finality, a bit more grandeur in scale and delivery than its predecessor. It doesn’t really have the same surf energy as the other tunes, feeling a lot more stadium present in energy.
All in all though, Patterns is a delightful assortment of four punchy rock tunes that combine what I loved from the bands I group on with an intriguing new spin. Can’t wait for more from The Upsides.