reviewed by Michael Thomas
When we last left PEI band Money in the Banana Stand, they had released a full-length album cleverly titled There’s Always. Now the boys are back with the (also ironic) EP, Giant Steps II (for those not in on the joke, as I wasn’t, John Coltrane released an album in 1960 called Giant Steps).
What makes this band unique is the fury with which they produce their music. While many a singer will choose to be smooth and slick, the singer(s) here just go all out- whether their vocals could be considered singing or screeching is anyone’s guess. But their screeching here is warranted- their sound is out-and-out some great punk music.
Much like in their previous album, the band enjoys titles that might make you laugh out loud, the best title here being “Political Song For Justin Bieber to Sing.” There is no way in hell the Biebs would sing this song, but it’s a hoot to listen to. It starts out with just vocals singing, “I’m not exactly sure when I decided that keeping a journal was lame,” and soon the song explodes with the energy that characterizes this band.
A few songs are pure fun, such as the opener “Drink Deep.” The title should probably be more than sufficient to explain its contents. “Lifestyles” is also a fun tune.
There are some really interesting lyrics the band pulls out from time to time. In the somewhat introspective “Lately,” a lyric goes, “It’s poetry, that’s for sure/It’s also bullshit.” And my favourite lines are definitely from the beginning of “Psychiatrist”: “Who hasn’t written a thousand pages of bullshit in search of one line of brilliance?/Who hasn’t needed a thousand conversations just to find the right words?”
Musically, the band’s use of guitar, bass and drums works well. The punk setup has never needed much more, and it gets the point across. During a show these songs will likely go over well with a crowd and will also probably inspire quite a bit of moshing.
Grab Giant Steps II off of Bandcamp.
Top Track: “Korean Radio Blues”
Rating: Strong Hoot (Good)
