Damn. I love me some Repeatedive. For real.
Articulately describing themselves as…
“…a passionate/apathetic indie rock band from Taipei, Taiwan, the overcast capital of a subtropical island nation…”
…we originally crossed paths with this satiating, shoe-gaze rock trio back in August for their deliciously bipolar alt-rock number, In My Heart I Say Fuck This World, our favorite single from their 7th Floor EP. Shortly thereafter, we had the pleasure of reviewing front-man Alan Yang’s solo project, Lounge Act Jam—Teen’s Last Straw; an electronic project we found to be, “…Authentic. Heartfelt. Gutsy.”
Still consisting of Alan Yang (guitar, vocals), Larry Chen (bass), and Baron Jan(drums), this passionately apathetic trio has now released their brand new 3-track EP, I Wish I Understood; and, we are no less enthused.
HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…
Opening with the epic, Don’t Wave At Clouds, the track is two parts ambient jam-chill, one part shoe-gaze metal as Yang and company wail with retro-glam against the nuances of growing up in the modern world…
“Don’t wave at clouds in the sky
For the birds may stop their flight
Don’t be late to your sermon
Everyone’s waiting and waiting and waiting
To put you down, so you stay down
I’m not gonna talk again
I’m not gonna speak again
Erase myself from this planet
Crack my fists on granite
Erase myself
Myself “
Showing a sweet, tender, and arguably optimistic side (which you may not have been aware this trio possessed), Luna Is On Our Side, is instantly reminiscent of 1994’s Pisces Iscariot by the Smashing Pumpkins. Delightfully digitally delayed, dreamy, ambient chords get wickedly juxtaposed with a wild brand of distortion in this ode to Luna.
OUR FAVORITE TRACK…
Showing serious musical vision, the crew ends this worthy little project with, Dead Plan, an up-all-night road-tune with drive, focus and octane. Think: Carolina Liar meets Jimmy Eat World. It’s subtly awesome.
IN CONCLUSION…
Deluxe contrast. Satisfyingly angsty. No explanation required. Repeatedive’s latest EP, I Wish I Understood, is another adventurous, no-holds-barred, everything-on-the-table, perfectly rough-around-the-edges piece of post-grunge indie-rock.
Singer-songwriter & front-man Alan Yang has serious vision and talent, and writes & sings with the anxious subtlety reminiscent of early Billy Corgan. He’s brave, and he gets better with age. We’re looking forward to their next project. If you’re into shoe-gaze style 90’s grunge, PLEASE give this a listen. (Taiwan’s coming, ya’ll.)
WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
Marcy Playground meets 90’s-era Smashing Pumpkins…
BELOW: Listen to Repeatedive’s latest EP, I Wish I Understood, and connect with their social media platforms. Please support Repeatedive by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!