With much of modern music going the all digital route there seems to be some soul lost. The amount of production tricks and tools used to “fix” every note suck out the natural life of well written songs. Fortunately there are still bands like Extra Time out there that are keeping the classic sound alive. For their new record Songs With Long Titles they stood by their rules: “No samples, no Click, no Grid and no Autotune. Everything on the album was performed live by a musician.”
Influenced by classic rock giants like Steely Dan and Supertramp, the album is a tapestry woven with intricate instrumentation, catchy melodies, and introspective lyrics. Extra Time singer Brendan McNamara’s vocals are smooth and soulful, effortlessly navigating the various sonic landscapes.
Enjoy the visual for “Where Is The Light
Extra Time’s sophomore album, Songs With Long Titles, lives up to its name – not just in track titles, but also in its expansive exploration of musical styles and emotions. The album showcases the true versatility of the band. Tracks like “Where Is The Light” blends jazzy flourishes with classic rock sensibilities, while “It’s Time” leans towards a bluesy groove paired with Jazz talent.
We get a more experimental and almost psychedelic sound on “I Can’t Make Up My Mind.” The pace picks up here to get the listener’s blood pumping. The guitar work here is very impressive as it soars with an airy solo. Extra Time shows they can deliver some real emotion as well with “Mr Winton.” The slowed down tracks has a wide variety of sounds overlapping each other to fill all the sonic space and let your mind drift to wherever it sees fit.
Closing with “Long Road” the raw classic rock feel is put on full display. A band that enjoys pouring their heart and soul into their music. No big flair, just real rock n roll.
Despite the genre-hopping, the album maintains a cohesive feel. Extra Time’s tight musicianship and McNamara’s songwriting create a sense of unity throughout, even as they explore diverse musical avenues.
Overall, Songs With Long Titles is a commendable effort by Extra Time. It is an album that rewards repeated listens, offering a delightful journey through classic rock influences with a modern twist and a realness that has become rare. It is sure to please fans of well-crafted melodies, skilled musicianship, and a touch of vintage charm.
