The Insinuators

The Insinuators
Way Past Wichita Falls
self-released; 2016
3.7 out of 5

By Dom Eagle
​
The Insinuators are an improv-rock trio hailing from Seattle, WA. Formed in August 2015, the three-piece has come a long way in the space of a year. They draw from a wide range of influences and have spent 12 months honing their style so as to ensure the tracks they initially release to the world make a lasting and professional first impression. For the most part, I think they have more than succeeded.

Their debut release Way Past Wichita Falls is delightful. “Don’t Try Me No More” is smooth, glitzy guitar-pop, full of twangy guitar chords, reverberating masculine vocals and an infectiously funky bass rhythm. To pile layer upon layer of sound on top of this nostalgic, 70s-esque, psychedelic track, The Insinuators continue to build towards a distorted, effects-laden guitar solo. It packs some punch for an opening track and my brain was most certainly switched on at this point.

“Got Back to Chicago” keeps the funk alive. This time, harmony between either two or all three of the members creates a beautiful choir-like effect atop the catchy, scaling bass rhythm. But it is on “Dr. Robbie Freeman” that The Insinuators try something a little different. Slick, rapid bass riffs litter this track, whilst the beat has quickened in pace, the guitars are slightly more furious and the vocals are guttural. This change of pace is truly refreshing to see in an indie band. Captivating the interests of new listeners is crucial and some bands underestimate the importance of experimentation or even the smallest of variation in their songs.

The highlight of the album, by far, is the sudden burst of aggressive, thumping garage rock in “Two Weeks.” The Insinuators really flourish when delving into this style of rock. Electrifying, distorted, clunky and messy guitar chords explode and tumble into one another in the most stunning manner imaginable. The vocals are executed perfectly and match the new style adopted here, whilst retaining an element of funk in the form of smooth, running bass riffs and rhythms.

​All in all, The Insinuators are an incredibly promising indie band, considering this is their debut effort and they have existed in a group form for little more than a year. Their playing is cohesive and their passion and drive really shines through the tracks. I would suggest they remember to keep things interesting and flavorful by pushing themselves ever further when it comes to new genres, stylings and their abilities both as individuals and The Insinuators. - No More Division