The Square Life

It has been a pretty eventful year for the Desert Noises. As a recently formed band, they blew the crowd away with their performance at Velour’s summer Battle of the Bands finals in June. Then they started playing shows and recording with a little known local musician named Joshua James (heard of him?). James soon signed them to his label, Northplatte Records, and they started work on an EP. In September they created big buzz at Sego Festival #3 with their passionate performance on hidden castle stage. And now most recently, they released their James-produced, self-titled 7-track EP on January 31 at Velour in Provo.

Despite their status as an up-and-coming band, Desert Noises’ members, Kyle and Trevor Henderson and Riley Johnson, have created a polished, mature sound on their self-titled EP. Their feel is generally pretty chill, with just the right amount of variety and abstraction to keep up interest throughout the collection of songs. The most distinctive element of their sound is teen brothers Kyle and Trevor’s almost preternatural ability to produce intricate, beautiful harmonies.  This vocal interplay has won them well-deserved comparisons to the band Fleet Foxes. Depending upon the needs of the song, their voices might fit together nicely, or they might create an atmosphere of slight unease. Kyle and Trevor also do some oooh-ing and aaah-ing in 5 of the 7 songs on the EP. They get away with it, though, due to their aptitude for harmonizing, and as a result, it sounds ethereal, as opposed to cheesy. In a song they recorded for the Provo Acoustic Sessions video podcast (presented by the Sego Arts Foundation), they even make a chorus out of the oooh’s, and it works. In that song, Trevor also demonstrates his ability to whistle in a manner similar to Andrew Bird, a little trick they should make use of in future releases.

Dull pain seems to be a pervading theme throughout the EP. Tensions rise on heartbreaking songs like “Mad Moon,” but never seem to breach onto the side of depression. “Kelton” perhaps comes closest, with its very personal and inward lyrics. Tensions rise, then break into moments of raw emotion that send chills down my spine. There’s no time for dwelling on it though, as it is soothed over by their peaceful oooh’s and fade-outs. Then it is back to the tension, but luckily they find a way to strike a nice balance. It’s like remembering the sting of a difficult breakup but being far enough removed that you are able to see it in a new light. “New Man” exemplifies the inability to decide how to feel, or what to feel, all while being upbeat and calm.

An intricate diorama graces the cover of the album, complete with centaurs and other fun things. Who knows, maybe they went into the desert and heard some weird noises that made them imagine centaurs. I hope so, but either way, I love it. Anyway…this is a solid EP. Go ahead and buy it in person if you get the chance, or download it on iTunes for convenience. Thanks Steve Jobs! And be sure to keep an eye on these guys.