Hardcore
Idaho Green – Double Ashley / Virgelle to Victor EP
It is rare to hear a band as fresh and original as New York’s Idaho Green, who call themselves “spud punk” (a joke about the state of Idaho) and have been active since 2008, releasing numerous EPs and singles since then. With a fairly established reputation in the NYC independent scene, they seem to have […]
The post Idaho Green – Double Ashley / Virgelle to Victor EP first appeared on DIY Conspiracy – International Zine in the Spirit of DIY Hardcore Punk!
Artist: Idaho Green
Title: Double Ashley / Virgelle to Victor
Release: EP / Digital
Year: 2023
Label: Minor Bird Records, Satellite Tribe
It is rare to hear a band as fresh and original as New York’s Idaho Green, who call themselves “spud punk” (a joke about the state of Idaho) and have been active since 2008, releasing numerous EPs and singles since then. With a fairly established reputation in the NYC independent scene, they seem to have earned a spot on the list of the city’s coolest bands of the last decade.
Their latest EP, Double Ashley / Virgelle to Victor, released on June 9, 2023, offers a seamless and intriguing progression from their earlier work. This four-track collection showcases a unique blend of playful indie punk that stands out for its refreshing and cool vibe, evoking the spirited essence of legendary groups like Dinosaur Jr. and The Lawrence Arms—think of it as an edgy mash-up of the two. The music quickly grabs your attention with its catchy and vibrant energy, evoking a pleasant nostalgia that recalls the best moments of youth rather than feelings of vulnerability or sadness.
The EP features beautifully crafted keyboard sections that enhance the overall dynamic atmosphere. The guitar work, reminiscent of J Mascis’s iconic style, combines memorable chords and solos with heavier power chords, adding a distinctive flair. The guitarist’s broad range of influences is presented with finesse, marking a personal and invigorating approach that adds a fresh layer to the music. The sound quality is crisp and vibrant, a testament to the excellent mixing by Hunter Davidsohn (Business District Recording) and Caleb Addy (Douglass Recording), along with the mastering by Frank Lenz. The behind-the-scenes efforts of these professionals ensure that every instrument sounds cohesive and full, making the production style perfectly suited for this genre. The result is music that shines with a joyous and youthful energy, further enhanced by a well-complemented rhythm section.
The vocals are your typical indie slacker wailing style of singing a la Archers of Loaf’s Erich Bachmann but with a more punkish edge to them and they fit perfectly with the overall compositional and conceptual stylistics of the band. As I said, the rhythm section sounds impeccable, and if you’re into catchy bass lines and eclectic and contemporary indie-punk drumming, you’ll notice how well all the instruments complement each other in an exquisitely crafted synergy of playful compositions. And to top it off, the standout cover art by Kayla Anderson perfectly captures the essence of Idaho Green with its eye-catching and self-sarcastic design, reflecting a very New York art vibe. This album is a must-have for fans of fresh and engaging indie/punk music. Idaho Green have shown that they can breathe new life into musical genres that were considered cliché just ten years ago, thanks to their creative approach and the involvement of talented individuals. This latest single/EP is a prime example of their success in doing so!
Supporting the band is easy; visit their official Bandcamp page or secure a vinyl copy from their respective labels before they sell out. This is an opportunity to appreciate a band that is making significant strides in the DIY scene, proving that with passion and creativity, it is indeed possible to reinvent and refresh what was once thought to be worn out.
Source: diyconspiracy.net
