Chicago – Everyone get excited because the LA synth-pop connoisseurs of Corsica Arts Club are releasing their debut, self-titled EP just in time for summer! The fresh four-song EP is perfect to add to your mix for pool parties, late night bonfires, and weekend road trips with your BFFs. Long-time besties Brendan Thompson (vocals/guitar) and Arash Parsee (guitar/synthesizer) started CAC last year, adding on Nate Chovanec (piano/synthesizer), Peter McArthur (drums), and Jason Mittleman (bass) as the band and its sound developed. The guys mix sounds of rock with 80s pop and add a splash of sunny California beach vibes. They also mix and record their own music, in their home studio, using new and old equipment, including some sweet vintage synthesizers they scored from a local pawnshop. Those found treasures helped create an irresistible dance-worthy album.
One listen to “California I Follow,” and you’ll understand why this fun, upbeat track gained the attention of Spoon, earning Corsica Arts Club an invite to open for them in Los Angeles. It’ll probably also earn a few presses of “repeat” on your part. Just keep it going, and keep your booty shaking!
“Don’t You Drift On By” is the most subdued of the four songs. It also has more of a rock edge, reminiscent of The Stills, but a bit more upbeat. Hopefully we’ll hear more songs like this on the LP? Fingers crossed! But let’s just focus on what we have here.
If you’re a fan of The Strokes, you’ll surely hear hints of their signature sound in “All Of My Friends,” but as the song progresses, a little David Bowie pops in there, which makes sense because as high schoolers, Thompson and Parsee bonded over a mutual love for Bowie. Obviously, friendship is a key component to this song. Thompson and Parsee told The Fader “All Of My Friends” is “both a reflection on the demise of a relationship and, at its core, an ode to family and friends whose unconditional love and patience provides light in the darkest nights.”
Speaking of Bowie and interviews, when Myspace asked Thompson and Parsee what influenced the making of Corsica Arts Club, they said, “The Beatles, our teenage years, Jack Kerouac, The Beach Boys, David Bowie and Iggy Pop in Berlin, vintage synthesizers, Roxy Music, Orson Welles, the Hollywood Hills, Malibu, Steely Dan, Thriller, Phil Spector and the Wall of Sound, traveling, David Hockney, photographs of California from the 1960s.” Quite a list there, huh? But perhaps it best helps explain “Untamed.” This song is bathed in synthesizers and gives off some futuristic vibes. Think a Blade Runner meets 200 Cigarettes themed party. Crazy, right? Maybe you should throw one, with Corsica Arts Club as your soundtrack!
Corsica Arts Club is available for purchase on iTunes. the band on twitter, instagram, and facebook.
Photo Credit: Paley Fairman
Sarah Hess
After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.
You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.
Latest posts by Sarah Hess (see all)
- The Wild Feathers Check One Off The Bucket List - July 31, 2017
- RY X Captivates Chicago - October 24, 2016
- Four New Bands at Day Three of Riot Fest - September 20, 2016
