Although the the name Frantic Clam could be misleading to listeners, this Austin band is in fact not a prog-rock band, but a great indie rock band. After listening to sophomore album Anatomica, these guys show that a band's name doesn't have to define the band if the tunes are pretty good.
The Recording Process
According to the band's CD Baby's page, Frantic Clam’s album was only recorded in five days. Within those days, the album resulted in five catchy songs (and an additional hidden track) that are in an undefinable indie genre. Each track gives a listener a refreshing change as the guys stray away from copying and pasting their standard formula that a lot of bands mistakenly do. Still, the writing style is concise.
Although the recording process only lasted a week, the production quality doesn't sound like a rushed product by any means. Usually when a band only has a short time frame to lay down all the tracks, the quality takes a hit. These guys reveal that they have the skills to not only produce catchy enjoyable songs but can still get the job done without sounding sloppy.
Zack Hadley’s vocal delivery gives this album one of the stand out performances . Hadley sings as a partnership with his band mates so his voice compliments the music and doesn't outshine the rest of the music. When a melody part needs to be featured, Hadley backs down.
Memorable Tracks
Opening track “We Own the Night” is a straightforward indie rock song with a laidback melody. The addition of the dainty keyboard beats and Hadley's animated delivery gives this tune an playful introduction to Anatomica.
“Ft. Worthless” provides the bouncy dance track as Frantic Clam gets straight to the point with the exuberant vocal stylings and catchy beat. It could cross over to glam rock territory with the addition of a little more melodramatic quirkiness.
The secret track finale provides the soundtrack for those super early mornings when your eyes are opening with the sunrise on a fall morning. The minor progression from the organ help create the calm autumn spirit to give the listener lethargic conclusion.
With average length of the songs clocking in under three minutes, Frantic Clam provide enough enjoyable materials for fans to savor without leaving them unsatisfied. “Indiana” is the only song that is over three minutes but doesn't feel like it's dragging on. Anatomica showcases that this band has the makings of being a promising band within the abundance of hopeful rock stars that dominate Austin's music scene.
Sarah M. Vasquez - I'm Sarah Vasquez and I've been writing about music for over six years with my own website SoManyBands.net. A friend of mine made the ...
