ALBUM REVIEW: Super 400 - Spirit in the Sound
Photo by Kiki Vassilakis
“Spirit in the Sound is the perfect reminder that this band has not only been consistently putting out amazing music, but also been touring locally, regionally and internationally for 30 years — with literally not one sign they are slowing down.”
This album review is different for me. Usually when writing an album review, it is written as I am hearing the album, as a whole, for the very first time. I like to write from the point of an honest first impression, before time or repetition begin to alter my thoughts.
However, in this case, an advanced CD (!) of Spirit in the Sound has been spinning in my car for weeks, given to me by Super 400 after interviewing them for Unsigned518. So, instead of it being one of my “first impression” album reviews, this will be more like an “I already sing along to these songs in my car” kind of album review.
Still honest, just not a first impression.
The first few seconds of “Agent of Change,” the opening track off of Spirit in the Sound, have so much going on that I feel it is appropriate to spend some time within them. The song begins with a crescendo of sorts. A grandiose crash of drums, bass and guitar in unison, followed by a brilliant interlude where Lori Friday on bass and Joe Daley on drums lock down the rhythm, allowing Kenny Hohman room to jam out a sweet little melody.
Then it just oozes into a funky Friday/Daley groove, with Hohman putting down a simple three-note accompaniment and some incredibly smooth and competent vocals, crooning “Livin’ gets easy, if you can learn how to cast your fears over the starboard bow.” Hohman’s voice then gets a little growl, and the feel of the rhythm picks up into a driving, foot-stomping beat, before reintroducing the crescendo heard earlier and drifting into the chorus.
Again, this is all within the first few seconds of the album. So even on first listen, it’s clear the album is going to be something special.
The next song, “Only Child,” begins with a slide of Friday’s bass into a fuzzy, one-note riff that is elevated by the subtle placement of accents within. Those accents lay down the foundation of the beat for the rest of the song, as Daley and Hohman soon join the fray. This one moves forward like a rock-n-roll passenger train, with the bass and drums as the engine, and the guitar weaving in and out as if it was a beautiful view. The lyrics are incredibly upbeat and positive and seem to be told from the perspective of a parent speaking to their child. There is love, hope, and optimism throughout. Which, combined with the rockin’ groove, make this one an early favorite.
The title-track is a slower, reflective sounding tune. It has a more reserved, haunting quality than the rest of the album, but it fits in beautifully. It is soulful and moving, while never losing its roots in rock-n-roll. The subtle use of what sounds like a keyboard or perhaps a stringed/bowed instrument fills in the space wonderfully and is a vital part of the composition.
“On Fire” begins with a sturdy tom-tom beat from Daley, followed by Friday and Hohman introducing a bass groove and feedback-induced volume swells, respectively. Friday takes the lead vocals on this track, which has hints of an early ‘90s alt/indie number, while also sounding uniquely fresh and fully modern. “Let’s go out to the country, and burn it down,” begins this anthemic rocker that has a near-perfect mix of what makes a song a hit. From the hook, the sing-along chorus, guitar solo, and backbeat, this tune has everything.
Spirit in the Sound wraps up with “Quiet Giant,” a Zeppelin-esque, acoustic guitar fronted song that really showcases the songwriting talent of the trio. The fact that they can wear their influences on their sleeves, while still creating wholly original music has always fascinated me.
Super 400 is a force in the 518 music scene and beyond. We are lucky to have them, and should be grateful for not only what they have accomplished thus far, but for the groundwork and inspiration that they are giving the next generation. Spirit in the Sound is the perfect reminder that this band has not only been consistently putting out amazing music, but also touring locally, regionally and internationally for 30 years — with literally not one sign they are slowing down.
Spirit in the Sound is now available on Bandcamp, as well as on CD and Vinyl.
