There are really two things that, in the age of digital convenience, still make it worth doing mad searches across the internet for the new gem of a song that will enter your daily playlists.
The first is the need for surprise. Of course, even the most devout record collector would like to hear his bands in a new context, would like to interact with entirely new sounds, and would even like to give styles he has never approached before a fair shot. Novelty is the spice of any fandom.
Still, while we’re busy with all things new and unexpected, let’s not knock consistency. Devoted music fans come back time and again for the things that they know will work for them, for the artists that they know will never let them down, and for the scenes that hardly ever disappoint.
And while California is more of the “place where most music happens” rather than a traditional scene, there are musical elements you simply know are going to be part of the equation.
That’s why even though Date Street’s “Shoulders” is an ambitious, moody, at times progressive, piece of alt-rock, there’s something of the warm production, confident performance, not to mention the glitz and glam that you associate with breezy Californian rock. How can you not? Californian rock bands make up at least half of any regular record collection of trad rock playlist.
And, while the singer uses the lyrics for “Shoulders” as a metaphor about walking away from bad energy and learning to appreciate oneself, and while these are powerful, heady topics, there’s also something in the highly dynamic, cleverly produced sound of Date Street that makes you think that, if needed, they could be ready to perform at the 26 World Cup ceremony on the shortest notice.
Confidence and a natural fit with pop music’s affluent history are one thing. However, there’s also depth to “Shoulders” and a willingness to push this alternative rock format into the future. The tone choices and production tricks have more in common with modern pop radio, which, let’s be honest, at nearly all times, is a Western United States invention. Date Street both fit in and stand out without needing to force either issue.
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