Motopony Delivers Psychedelic Vibes On ‘Welcome You’

Motopony

Los Angeles – Seattle based band Motopony will release their sophomore LP, Welcome You via eOne Music / Fast Plastic on June 23rd. The record is the follow-up to Motopony’s 2011 self-titled debut LP. It’s the result of the previous four years of shape-shifting, intensive songwriting, transforming, and rejuvenating. Welcome You was recorded live to tape at Bear Creek Studio by Mike McCarthy (Spoon, Heartless Bastards, Trail of Dead) and mixed by Guy Massey (Spirtualized, Manic Street Preachers, Ed Sheeran). While Motopony was formed in 2009 with songwriter Daniel Blue, co-producer Buddy Ross, drummer Forrest Mauvais, and guitarist Brantley Cady. Shortly after the band’s formation and the release of their debut LP, they added guitarist Mike Notter to tour in support of the record. The group didn’t have too many updates throughout the years, but in early 2014, they added new members Andrew Butler, Nate Daley (in place of Buddy Ross), and Terry Mattson (in place of Brantley Cady). Motopony changed labels and in late 2014 released the EP, Idle Beauty, the band’s first new music in over three years at the time. While none of those songs appear on this new LP, it was still a welcoming release to know the Washington sextet was still making good music. Now in 2015, the outcome of Welcome You is an indie-pop folk album with sweeping psychedelic vibes that merge collectively to generate an invigorating, honest, and convivial echo.

The listener will immediately hear the transformation from Motopony’s debut record to this one. The title track opens the record with a repetitious beating of a drum and this church like humming sound before breaking into an acoustic guitar. Blue’s sweet vocals emerge and we’re in the new world of Motopony. The reflective jam has a terrific second half as it carries you along with lovely guitars and vocals. The band’s first single, “Daylight’s Gone” also serves as Motopony’s finest track here. With intricate guitar work coming from three guitarists, atypical for a modern day rock band these days, the track is lavishly catchy. Another true gem can be found in the third track, “Changing.” This is where the true psychedelic sensibilities shine as Motopony forges their own path, not one traveled by many before them. This leads me to the band’s aggrandizing soundscape from four years ago to now. Welcome You embodies the human spirit, a transformation of sorts. It can’t solely be identified in one way, but can collectively cater to many different listeners and audiophiles.

After the initial run-through of“1971,” Led Zeppelin immediately comes to mind. From the instrumental arrangements to the roaring vocals, Motopony recall another time and place of love and peace. It’s unmistakable that the music of Motopony elicits a bygone era of sound. It may exhale late 60s/early 70s rock, but Welcome You isn’t a retread. The influence of that time is a compliment for their newfound attributes. “Livin’ In The Fire” throws in complex guitars, groovy baselines, and Blue’s charming vocals. There’s a certain style, a charismatic approach to Blue’s singing abilities. It’s refreshing because his delivery and tone is uncommon in this realm of indie folk we live in. “Molly” is another top contender for best track. It has many different elements to it allowing it to formulate into something far beyond some kind of one-dimensional track. The gleaming piece of work is an example of Motopony finding fortitude in redefining their unique style without compromising any of their artistic expressions.

Check out Motopony on tour this summer.

Sean Kayden

Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.
Sean Kayden

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