ALBUM: The Butlers // ARTIST: The Butlers
Ask Jeeves to pump up the warmth and prepare to drape yourself in utter sonic joy with the new self-titled album from Christchuch's The Butlers.
Growing from two to five members over the years, The Butlers have swollen their dreamy tones and carefree vibes into something truly special: a genuine band who marry magnetic surf rock with some alt rock magic, plus a smattering of funk, folk and beyond to tease your ears and tickle your soul. Equally matching fellow indie rockers Sticky Fingers and Ocean Alley, it's a genuine surprise this Kiwi quintet are only perched on their first ever full-length - boasting pristine production and cheeky charm, The Butlers have struck gold with this self-titled gem.
The Butlers lure us in with a swirling introduction before the hazy vibes take over with 'Leopard Of Sweet Dreams'. Here we find brassy tones, seductively smooth vocals and a well-balanced soundscape that bolsters the chilled beats. 'Why Do I Keep Going Back' continues the warmth but ups the funk, throwing down chirpy guitars and bulkier vocals lamenting the pull of confounding love.
THE LEOPARD OF SWEET DREAMS (THE BUTLERS)
'Lizards On The White Wall' creeps up next, continuing much in the same vein as earlier tracks, before a prowling bassline gives way to the funked-up 'Cats On The Cliff'. While carrying the same surf-rocky tendencies, there's a glimmer here into the unique tendencies The Butlers bring to the table; deceptively simple melodics that twist and turn without overstaying their welcome (and more of the brassy goodness heard earlier in proceedings).
Alcohol-titled tracks get a little lovin' from 'Rum' and closing track 'Vodka's What You're Drinking', but before the acoustic delights of the final forces fade away we get the woozy 'Freeway' and 'I Think I Thunk'; a track guaranteed to make you feel like you're basking in crystal clear waters as soft waves roll over you under the summer sun.
It's impossible to come out of experiencing The Butlers without a smile on your face and a slight nostalgia for endless summer days; but what is perhaps most enjoyable about this Kiwi lots debut full-length is the level of authentic passion shining through. Sure, it sounds slick and comes at you like a warm hug, but there's a whole lot more than meets the ears for The Butlers, and their debut album has set the bar high for what is no doubt set to become a very bright future.
THE SELF-TITLED ALBUM FROM THE BUTLERS IS OUT IN THE WORLD NOW,
FOR MORE INFO HEAD HERE.
BY TIANA SPETER