SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: PERU THE BAND – ORDINARY PEOPLE EP

Peru The Band
Ordinary People EP
Independent

Peru the Band get eclectic on their debut EP, rifling through various levels of modern blues not atypical from the likes of The Black Keys. It’s the symphony backing that truly gives life to Ordinary People – EP. With a brooding horn section accompanying the handclaps, bass riffs and grungy vocals, This group stands out as a band with vast potential. On the piano driven “My Lady,” Peru the Band showcases its soft side, proving its brand of blues might fare well in a cinematic setting. Other tracks that serve it well include the lead single “I Need You” – a Bublé-esque bop with a chorus that gains its traction from a luscious combination of trumpets and drumming. “Forever” might indeed be the record’s best. The track is supported by wonderful backing vocals, delivering the Motown in a James Morrison kind of way until it releases the deep vocals and saxophone reminiscent of old school jazz.

If anything goes wrong over the six tracks, it’s the production value. While this isn’t a noticeable deficit, the album does have a ‘first recording’ feel to it. None of these tracks could really survive on radio, not just because of their departure from modern pop but because they simply sound too live. This element works in both ways. Sometimes it makes the band’s instrumental choices shine, and other times it comes across as somewhat amateur.

This wrinkle would be hardly noticeable to someone judging the music for its true quality. Peru the Band has done something wonderful with Ordinary People – EP. The fantastic vocal and instrumental choices elevate this six-track EP to an unexpected height. There is a lot to work with here for the inevitable full-length record.

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