The Amateurs - Hope For The Best, Expect The Worst [EP]
The Amateurs‘ Hope For the Best, Expect the Worst was released almost entirely independently, making it nearly impossible to satisfy my “Here, and NOW!” impulses. Luckily for me, they made it available on iTunes. After a quick transaction, download, and burn; I was able to get down to some serious listening.
I make it a rule to avoid writing a review about a record I’ve only heard once. That was no problem in this case. Hope For the Best, Expect the Worst falls just short of 24 minutes in length. After two commutes to work, I practically knew all of the words.
Keith Waggoner (Guitar / Vocals), Stephen Garver (Drums), Michael Justin Gong (Bass Guitar), and Shannon De Jong (Violin) spent an unusual amount of time working on what is obviously a small release, but the outcome really shows the amount of work put into it. What this arrangement lacks in length, it definitely makes up for in variety.
The first track is called “Interstate”. Immediately after hitting play, the first two words to run through my mind were “Velvet” and “Underground”. It’s not exactly dripping with it, but there’s definitely enough influence to crack an approving smile. Keith really shines early on with how powerfully he can use his seemingly narrow vocal range. That said, it has a subtle tendency to clash a little in later tracks.
I see their biggest strength as a band being their ability to move in and out between musicians. In the instrumental track, “Chris Rode A Bike”, Keith’s sauntering guitar work and Shannon’s almost sorrowing violin sway back and forth between who’s in control of the melody. Personally, this alone is a selling dynamic.
If you’ve ever enjoyed music by The Appleseed Cast, Arcade Fire, or The Velvet Teen… This band is most likely right up your alley. I had a great time listening to it, and definitely can’t wait to see them on the 29th in Chico.
