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With their unique take on alternative rock, Underwater Country Club presents themselves as a formidable group with inventive style in their recent album. Fairfield junior Andrew Robinson, who is the band’s lead singer and guitarist, also writes the music and lyrics for the band. As the band’s leader, he creates a sound that is relaxing while at the same time mentally stimulating with their lyrics.
The song “Pastels Wagers” presents the singer’s experience of going to church on Easter Sunday and being sarcastically intrigued by his Jesus’ “cute little stories.” This subtle humor in their lyrics syncs up with their melodies and compositions to manifest a sense of longing within their work. From listening to the music, you feel as though the band is trying to find an expressionistic voice to advocate their sentiments, and they do so with stunning clarity.
What gives the album a sense of diversity is the way in which the songs introduce themselves with a piano riff, a short guitar intro or just a steady silence that grows to a fulfilling auditory expression. Songs like “Scene The Dark” and “Devil’s Swing Set” exhibit a musical experimentation that is poised with poignant lyrics and inventive titles. In this, the songs interconnect with a sense of individuality yet maintain the simulacra of a flowing melody.
Robinson has stated that among his favorite bands are Arcade Fire and Modest Mouse, and from listening to the album, one can get a sense of this influence. Underwater Country Club possess both the rhythm of a guitar based alternative rock band, while maintaining a sense of electronic staccato. Amidst this well crafted sound are the lyrics that hold a great pertinence to the intrigued listener.
Like Arcade Fire, Robinson and the other members of Underwater Country Club seem to center their songs around one character’s experience within the influences of an environment that he or she feels trapped in or incapable of fully connecting with. From this, we find a musical expression that presents the simplicity of human emotions while at the same time advocating their complexity and multidimensionality.
The music business also happens to be the family business for Underwater Country Club as well. “I play with my brother primarily who is a percussionist,” Robinson stated. He also commented on the fact that they play with musicians from different schools including Fairfield but advocated this family connection saying, “My brother and I are the core components.” Coming from the musical well-spring of Asbury Park, New Jersey, this brother dynamic proves that their musical synthesis is one that intrigues as well as entertains. They present an artistic expression that goes beyond the superficial nature of most music without being too full of itself. Because of this Underwater Country Club is perfect to listen to while doing work or simply hanging out to enjoying the passing hours. To enjoy this music, you can find it streaming online or contact Andrew Robinson.
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