7” Sunday is a segment devoted entirely to 7” vinyl and the all-encompassing experience surrounding it. Although most publications cover major releases, the vinyl single is often overlooked and given nothing more than a half-hearted nod of acknowledgement. This weekly feature is a hub for 7” reviews, exploring the B-sides and rarities of artists that may often go unnoticed.
Each Sunday I will review 7” vinyl from artists who venture this extra mile to hold their singles high above the sea of digital releases. I hope to embody the spirit of vinyl while sharing some fantastic music with you, the reader. Let’s get started.
For those hunting for a high energy duo that doesn’t get tiring after a couple spins, I have a solution. Formed in mid-2011, Lindsey Troy and Julie Edwards joined together under the moniker Deap Vally. After constant touring and building a devoted fanbase, they have recently released their debut 7”, Gonna Make My Own Money. I’m always a sucker for colored vinyl, so when I saw that this release was put out on hot pink, I had to check it out. With artwork by Stanley Mouse (yes, this Stanley Mouse), the cover depicts the girls riding through the sky a la Dr. Strangelove. It’s concise, creative and undeniably awesome.
And this time, it is safe to judge the proverbial book by its cover.
While it’s no surprise to see duos such as The Black Keys and White Stripes on their list of influences, Troy and Edwards have avoided copying either’s trademark sound. If the Japandroids were dragged through the dirt and opted for simultaneous sex changes, Deap Vally would be the result. With similar anthemic appeal and unaltered, raucous instrumentation, these girls stand apart with an entirely warranted melodrama. The hysterics embedded in their debut single generate an artful instability that keeps us questioning what may happen next. Fortunately, the duo have a firm grip on their instruments and spin the garage rock blitzkrieg into an exciting listen.
“Gonna Make My Own Money,” the title track of the single, begins with spastic drumming akin to noise rockers in the vein of Brian Chippendale. It’s strategic brutality pushes the beat forward whilst picking a fight with the equally fierce guitar. With a 50s-esque drawl, Troy squeals through the song with an excitable performance that lends to her White Stripes influence. Long story short: it’s intense as hell.
The B-side, “Ain’t Fair,” takes the unbridled energy of “Gonna Make My Own Money” and focuses it into a more organized groove. With a chorus that parallels the guitar with vocals, the makeshift scatting that would normally come off as cheesy becomes a selling point. At the rate they’re going, a full-length may not be in the near future, but keep an eye out on these girls if you’re in the market for some serious duo rock.
Check back next week for a look at Feeding People’s Island Universe.
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