Self-described as falling somewhere “…between the acoustic stylings of
Vance Joy and the electro-indie vibes of Neon Trees with just a touch of
modern R&B including a hint of auto-tune processing tucked beneath lead
vocalist Josh Brown’s unique timbre”, this wordy assessment doesn’t
really do Indecent Proposal justice. The Duluth, Minnesota five piece’s
new single “Late in the Morning” is far less cluttered than the
aforementioned description implies. It’s far more outright guitar-heavy
than the band’s preceding single “Feeling Good” and explores a much
different demeanor.
It likewise embraces alternative rock tendencies to a greater degree.
They prove themselves to have a firm command of atmospherics from the
song’s outset. Mood comes easily in this song thanks to the patient
development of the central guitar motif and Josh Brown’s plaintive
vocals further accentuates this direction. Color is abundant as well.
There’s really no evidence of the auto-tune mentioned earlier, perhaps
evidence of their skill in the studio, but there’s no question that
“Late in the Morning” comes across as a thoroughly polished and realized
recording.
Their lyrical talents are straightforward and unpretentious. Concrete
imagery abounds throughout the song, but it nevertheless strikes a
resonant mood that many listeners will recognize. Any band who can make
the listener feel “yeah, I’ve been there” is off to a good start. The
song expands on the nearly hushed mood of its opening as its progresses
without ever veering into heretofore uncharted waters.
The guitar work is exceptional without ever succumbing to
predictability. Listeners are treated to powerfully emotive lead playing
during the song’s second half and the band raises the tempo to help
bring the song to a memorable climax. Vocalist Josh Brown excels as
well. As said earlier, the auto-tune they reference in their personal
description isn’t audible in this performance. Brown, instead, comes
across as a more than capable singer possessing a first-class alt-rock
voice, genuine presence, and a bluesy edge many listeners will find
appealing.
The band has a well-put together presentation for an outfit just
beginning their journey. It’s obvious there’s a clear vision they are
pursuing for their music and these recent singles are, perhaps, only a
facet of the faces they intend on showing the world. “Late in the
Morning” has enormous potential as a concert number. It isn’t difficult
imagining the band building on its mood in a live setting. The song
suggests that the band can stretch it further than its three minutes
fifteen seconds running time and achieve even greater heights without
losing any of its immediacy.
There’s immense promise here. Listeners can expect that a band such as
this will build on that promise with further releases. It’s apparent
that Indecent Proposal are intent on being around for some time to come
and songs such as “Late in the Morning” are laying a strong foundation
for that goal to become reality. It’s well worth your time to give this
band a listen.
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