Album Review: Tin Can Notes - Tin Can Notes EP

Most will remember Self Against City as one of the better pop punk bands around, and even though they only released one full length many still mourn their loss. A seemingly bitter split with Drive Thru Records didn’t help, as it felt like one of the better bands on the label had crashed and burned due to them. But nevertheless Self Against City promised new music some day, and while the band has yet to release any new material some side projects have formed. Tin Can Notes is guitarist Jack Matranga’s effort, and for fans expecting upbeat pop rock prepare to be disappointed. For fans of lo-fi indie rock though, this might be worth checking out.

It begins with “She Had a Name” which starts things on a dark note. The song was based on the kidnapping and imprisonment of Jaycee Lee Dugard and begins with a haunting acoustic riff. Matranga sings in hushed tones, building to a crescendo where he spells out her name asking her to come home. Matranga’s voice may not be the strongest, but he carries the emotion behind the song well and the lyrics paint a bleak picture about loss and degradation before leading to a hopeful ending. “California In the Ether” is next and moves away from this dark subject matter into a more personal song. Many will find this the most accessible song on the EP, as its combination of folk guitars and backing harmonies makes for a great pop song. Matranga’s voice seems more comfortable here as he makes no sharp adjustments, and he seems to fit this song perfectly. Yet it is the backing harmonies that really make this song. They begin sparingly but by the second verse they are ever present and add a new dimension to what could have been a simple acoustic song.

“Trails” moves away from the poppier territory and is more of a calm, ethereal song. The simple electric guitar riffs give the song this quality, yet apart from that there is nothing really special about it. Compared to the strong two opening songs this one falters a little and falls on the side of boring. This trend continues on the last song “Maples” which is just way too short to make any sort of impact, especially as a closing song. It feels like it never really gets started, despite another great use of backing vocals to compliment Matranga’s message.

'Tin Can Notes' is definitely an interesting departure from his previous venture, but it feels like only half of it really lands. The first two songs definitely warrant a listen. They manage to both define themselves individually, whereas the last two songs feel rather uninteresting by comparison. In listening one can see that Matranga is trying to achieve a certain ambience that doesn’t quite come off. Either way Tin Can Notes is worth checking out, as the first two songs exhibit a potential that could show exciting things to come. It may not be a new Self Against City record, but at least the talented musicians behind them continue to make music.

3/5

'Tin Can Notes EP' by Tin Can Notes is available for FREE here

Jamie Kirk