We Are Standard have actually been around since 2006, when they released their debut album, “3000 V 40000 W” to great success in Spain and Europe. I will admit to not having heard that record (it’s not on Spotify) but I can vouch for the band’s work from then on.
For their next album, self-titled and released in 2008, the five-piece from Vizcaya (Basque Country, Spain) sought out Gang of Four guitarist Andy Gill for production. Gill’s production work was evident in the sound, and the band presented a style that mixed dance-punk and electronic music, similar to The Rapture’s earlier work or LCD Soundsystem’s first album.
After “The Golden State”, a remix album put out in 2010, the band returned in November of 2011 with the “Great State” EP, where they’ve undergone a complete transformation of sound. Personally, I’ve got to say that the radical change in sound does wonders for them.
Gone are the fuzzy bass-lines and sparse guitars. Instead, we’ve got a high energy EP filled with synths, keys and bright guitars that adds layers of shine to an already formed project. The band has opted for a more pop than eccentric route, but they carry their momentum gathered from the larger-than-life choruses incredibly well.
In fact, the opener, “07.45 (Bring Me Back Home)”, may just be the band’s best song to date. There’s swelling string-like synths backed by a good beat and some spot-on vocals that not only fit perfectly with the mood of the song, but also are perfectly placed in the mix. The song isn’t catchy per-se (although the synth riffs are pure ear-candy), but I’ll be damned if it doesn’t put you in a better mood and make you want to get out of your seat. The last minute and half is pure bliss, with a stellar build up to some chorus-like backup vocals and a one-line chant (“bring me back home”) that will have the listener singing along by the end.
Like I said, the opener isn’t necessarily catchy, but it doesn’t need to be to accomplish its mission. This task is left for “Good Ones”, another highlight. The song doesn’t sound as fluid as its predecessor, in slight homage to the band’s previous work, perhaps, but the piano riffs on the chorus are more than easy to get stuck in your head. And, again, the band pulls its best punch at the end of the track, with another buildup featuring horns, a gradual drumbeat and another sing-along chant.
We Are Standard really aren’t that revolutionary as far as their style or sound, but they don’t need to be. Instead, they’re content with making perfect summer tunes for the dreary winter months, which is perfectly fine with me.
Be sure to listen to the two tracks mentioned here below, and head over to Spotify to check out the rest of the band’s work.
