Engine Summer: “Indiana” Review
When it comes to spoken word style singing, you need a certain something to really be able to pull it off. A certain edge, attitude, or charisma You gotta find that rock and roll energy to make sure you don’t get confused for a beatnik or slam poet. Think Mark E. Smith or (at times) Lou Reed. There was no confusion in what those guys were bringing.
Whatever the quality is, Jeremy Marsan, lead vocalist of Chicago threepiece Engine Summer, has got it. Marsan and company recently released their third record Indiana, and the new material is assured, self-confident, and it sounds fucking cool. The band has a sound that combines a sort of jagged and streetwise artpunk ethos with psychedelic rock trappings. For a similar attitude you could look to Parquet Courts, but Engine Summer have their own thing going so take that for what its worth.
You can stream all of Indiana below or purchase here. Engine Summer do appear to be touring behind it but thus far have not announced any dates West of Lake Michigan. You can keep up on their goings on on their website or facebook page.
— Jon
