American Wrestlers – American Wrestlers
Review By: Kaitlyn Ouverson
Rating: 8/10
A Scotsman and an 8-track: that is what you find behind American Wrestlers—something to think about, eh? How many people reading this will even know what an 8-track is? My closest encounter came in the form of a never-been-opened 8-track to cassette converter to which one of my family members was still holding on. Obviously, this guy is eccentric. Luckily, eccentric personalities seem to make beautiful—or at least enjoyable—music.
This album is definitely at least worth a listen, and I think at least a couple of the lo-fi songs are meant for radio; AND if you like surprises (and if you haven’t read my recommended tracklist, yet), there is a hidden track that is really catchy. The second track has a fairly driving pulse and it gives off a kind of longing atmosphere, as if I were inspired to chase after something I had never before had second thoughts about in passing. If I had to list songs that best embodied a summer road trip, I think “Holy” might be one of the top contenders. “Cheapshot” is a much more tranquil song, with a slow build to something that might be borderline shoegaze as the song closes out. Each of these songs seems to have its own kind of personality, with Gary McClure’s voice—which sounds a lot like Phoenix’s lead—tying the release together. This is more than just a mediocre release by an unknown band, as this album is—at the very least—remarkable.
FCC: 1
FIYL: The Strokes, Viet Cong, Mac DeMarco, The Districts
Recommended tracks: 9, 5, 6, 7, 2, 8
