Sacramento residents Desario are back with their first album in five years and fourth overall, where their exciting indie-rock template embraces bits of ominous shoegaze, bright New Wave and post-punk sensibilities from across the pond in the ’90s.
The nine-track listen leads with the thick haze of post-punk coated with a smattering of dream-pop that’s quite exciting on the nostalgic “Lonely Lights.” “Strange Shapes” then follows with hypnotic guitars and a jangly demeanor you'll immediately enjoy, as the crisp drumming really does impress.
Approaching the middle, the throbbing bass of “Throw It Back” segues into a light and airy display, while “Nevergreen” is a bit more firm, featuring a meticulous rhythm section that explores both busy and calmer moments.
Though there isn’t a bad tune present, the best ones are on the back half, and include the atmospheric and very pretty “Things We Left Behind,” as well as the lovely melodies weaving in and out of the reflective song craft that is “Wired Wrong.” “Eraser” exits the listen and carries a hint of melancholy amid the infectious bass lines and skilled drumming that balances tension and tunefulness in flawless ways, much like the entire affair.
Desario is made up of Michael Yoas (guitar, keyboards), John Conley (vocals, guitar), Mike Carr (bass guitar) and Kirklyn Cox (drums, percussion). Together they make music that you will enjoy if you're already a fan of Film School, Jesus & Mary Chain, The Smiths and/or Arctic Monkeys.
An extremely limited LP with just one vinyl copy left as I type this(!), regardless of what medium you prefer, Signal And Noise is an absolute must for fans of the early days of alt-rock, shoegaze-tinted indie-rock and blurry post-punk from any decade.
Rating: A
