San Diego rockers Transfer release their debut album Future Selves next week, or rather re-issue an earlier self-release. The four piece band has recently toured the UK, playing several tracks from the album to much critical acclaim. Future Selves certainly stands up to the hype that has been created, although the recorded output is far more restrained than the full out rock of the live shows.
The album starts with Losing Composure, already released as a single. A big, melodic rock track, this one sets a fast pace from the off with its pounding drums and subtle keyboards backing the vocals of Matthew Molarius.
Take Your Medicine starts with a distorted vocal over a steady drum beat before a violin comes in. It’s a nice into, but the song doesn’t really kick on from there. The track appears to be leading somewhere, then meanders along without ever arriving.
My Suspicions gets things moving again as the guitars roar, the track alternating between ethereal vocal sections and full on rock. This one is a real grower that gets better with each listen.
The heart of the album is full of decent rock songs. Like It Used To Be again uses some interesting vocal techniques, this time with a faster tempo and builds to yet another big chorus while Get Some Rest opens with mellow vocals and rich harmonies. Wake To Sleep uses the keyboards well to set a steady rhythm on an almost hypnotic song. And the strangely titled Enojado is another with an anthemic feel.
The acoustic Like A Funeral sees the pace drop; this is a pretty good pop song. It’s almost jaunty and belies the rather sombre title. The Possum features a driving drum beat from Andy Ridley that drives the music forward. The electric guitars are back to the fore and the keyboards weave between the chords.
But Deerskin slows things down once more before the closing White Horse provides the big finish. Again the drums pound and the lead vocals, with just a hint of reverb, soar above the guitars. It seems the strongest track has been left for last – and the final guitar solo sets a nice coda on the album.
Overall this is a decent album with a mature feel to it. The song writing is good and the performance excellent throughout. Transfer have shown that they can produce in the studio as well as on stage.
