Social media is becoming even more important as a discovery tool for new bands, especially during COVID times. Since bands aren’t touring right now, Instagram and the like are the best way to learn about bands. That’s what happened for me with The Camel City Blackouts. They reached out letting me know they had a new song on the way and asked for some feedback. Well, After listening to their new EP 13 several times, I’m ready to offer up that feedback publicly.
Clocking in at only nine minutes, 13 leaves fans wanting more. On this go around, we’re treated to three tracks – “Angels” and “Another Night”, the latter appearing both as a full-band track and an acoustic one. The good news is, all three tracks are very satisfying, so I had no problem just hitting repeat and listening to them again.
13 Isn’t Unlucky When it Comes to The Camel City Blackouts
The Camel City Blackouts are a nice blend of alternative and punk. Think Alkaline Trio meets Our Lady Peace. The music on this EP is very guitar forward with catchy choruses to boot. There’s an infectious energy weaved throughout, with honest, earnest songs.
After a few spins, I even started fantasy booking what label The Camel City Blackouts would be a good fit on. All signs pointed to Vagrant Records in my opinion. They would fit right in with Vagrant in the days of Face to Face, Alkaline Trio, and The Get Up Kids. Being able to stack up to heavyweights like those three bands is definitely high praise. 13 deserves it though. It hooked me immediately.
One thing that make The Camel City Blackouts stick out for me is lead singer Ryan Sizemore’s voice. His tone and delivery is pretty distinctive, and downright haunting and hypnotic at times. One the acoustic rendition of “Another Night” for instance, it almost sounds like he’s channeling his inner Matt Skiba. As much as I like the full band version of the song, the stripped-down acoustic rendition just hits differently. With the full-band version, “Another Night” feels like a fun party song, but unplugged, it takes an almost melancholy tone.
If the songsmanship displayed on 13 is any indication, The Camel City Blackouts are standing on the precipice of breaking out in a big way. Their music is sincere, filled with energy, and a lot of fun. Much like Alkaline Trio, The Camel City Blackouts have done a great job of making more mature and slightly dark material come off as poppy and accessible. If you’re looking to hear a band that may just be the next big thing, seek out this EP. You won’t regret it.