Seattle is world famous for being the birthplace of grunge. One of those legendary bands, Tad, included guitarist Gary Thorstensen who has gone on to form Guest Directors. The band also includes guitarist/vocalist Julie D, drummer Rian Turner and bassist Charles Russo. They’ve just released their first full length LP Interference Patterns after a series of successful Ep’s and singles.
The band have a real genre hopping approach to their music and have this to say about the album.
“Like a broken mirror, Seattle’s Guest Directors reflect a multitude of emotional and musical pathways. On their new LP, Interference Patterns, the songs spiral one after another – sometimes powerful and sometimes delicate. They can sound like snowflakes and hail storms, sometimes in the same song.”
Sounds like an exciting listen. Let’s drop the needle and see what they have in store for us.
The album opens on the punchy ‘From This Distance’. The twin vocal approach adding to the impact of the guitars sonic assault. This song is the perfect opener hooking you in immediately. Billy Corgan would kill for this track.
‘Perfect Picture’ has a stop start rhythm that fools us into thinking this is a melodic indie track. When that driving bass kicks in it reveals itself as a complex, dramatic rock opera. The descending notes in the chorus catch me out every time.
Next up is the moodier ‘Raise a Glass’. The band have this to say.
“’Raise a Glass’ was literally the first complete song we ever wrote. We had the music in place while we were looking for a singer. One of the try-outs went so poorly that Julie decided to give it a go herself. As a long time backup singer, she wasn’t a complete rookie.
But she made a beginner’s mistake of coming up with a melody in a range that couldn’t be projected well live . Fast-forward 7 years, and Gary suggested capo-ing the guitars a couple of frets, and voila! Maybe things happen for a reason because we’re all really happy with the outcome.”
Julie’s voice is just sublime. Especially in those harmony moments. Coupled with that yearning guitar line it creates an emotive atmosphere that captures the mood of the subject matter perfectly.
Next, creeping up is the tightly wound ‘Blackout Dream Blues’. The guitars lending a sense of peril keeping you on edge until the chorus blooms. Something occurred to me listening to this one, I can hear this song in the soundtrack to a future Bond movie.
The shoegaze glide sound comes into full effect on ‘Skinless’. Married with the alt rock riffage and soaring vocals it creates a unique atmosphere. I particularly loved the break down leading into the final minute, those tom rolls providing a new dynamic and room for the guitars to shine.
Speaking of dynamic ‘Nico’ really does keep us on our toes. Beginning like a chilled-out ballad the chorus comes in like the late great Kirsty MacColl, lush deeply rounded harmonies with an instant hook that makes you smile ear to ear. Absolutely love this song.
Next track is a massive curve ball. ‘Laser Hands’ cones in like an almost jazz rock odyssey. The verses ebb and flow with sublime call and response between the vocals and guitars. The vocals swing from a Pink Floydesque whispered delivery to a heavily treated wail to the skies. It really stands up to repeated listens, there’s just so much for your ear to enjoy.
‘Stare it Down’ is a lesson in restraint. Just listen to how the vocals behave in that chorus. So, balanced and poised. The bass delivers a stellar turn, dictating the pace and providing another sonic texture. Guitars are kept in check until that psychedelic solo comes in and sends us heavenward. Hats off to the band for delivering this wee beauty.
The album rounds out with ‘You’ll Never Know’. Again, leaning into that jazz rock sound with some of the chord choices. It lends the song an air of finality, making it perfectly placed on the album. Some moments on here remind me of guitars used by one of my all-time heroes Mary Margaret O’Hara. Also, those drums, never settling, always moving. As the song morphs into as rock ballad in its second half we get to hear another side to the band. Again, the restraint on show is spellbinding and in doing so they allow space for that beautiful vocal to shine through.
The band say that Interference Patterns is culled from songs that the band have been writing for the entire time they have been together. That shared experience and knowledge of each other shines through in every song. This is an album that screams confidence but never over confidence. That is as sure footed in its performance as it is in production. This is an album Guest Directors should feel justifiably proud of.
Interference Patterns is out now via Topsy Records/Snappy Little Numbers digitally and on limited edition CD and numbered vinyl from Guest Directors Bandcamp.
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