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By Trevor Dye
The momentum originating from the critical acclaim of Sound Team's most recent EP, Work, gives impetus to the band's rapidly approaching debut album Movie Monster. Fans and critics eagerly await the June 6th release, despite lingering uncertainty as many question if they can meet the amplified expectations created by Work's success. From recording a majority of the tracks in their own studio, Big Orange, to handling manufacturing and distribution, the Austin-based indie rockers are noted as much for their talent as for their self-reliance. After transitioning to a major label, Capitol Records, the band has a chance to completely focus on the music. Movie Monster was produced by the band alongside Michael McCarthy (Spoon, Trail of Dead), and drawing on numerous influences ranging from German synthesizer music to American folk has helped them create a record where each track has a distinct feel.
Sound Team's Movie Monster doesn't necessarily fit a genre; it is one of those refreshing records that can redefine and transcend multiple niches. By layering intense, trippy electric guitar riffs, airy keyboard melodies, and Matt Oliver's raspy vocals, the band seems to blend new-age, 70's psychedelic rock, and pop. Fans of The Walkmen, Hot Hot Heat, Arcade Fire, and Bloc Party will surely find Movie Monster a great addition to their collection. However, at some points, the music is evocative of The Strokes and even one of the pioneering Psychedelic Jazz Punk bands, Television. Sound Team could easily catch fire on the mainstream scene, but if not, this may go down as one of the year's best records that most people haven't heard.
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