The Static Age – I/O

Vermont-based post-rock group The Static Age loves locking into a modest groove and letting their notes guide them.  In their recent EP, I/O, vocalist Andrew Paley returns with his deep, sleepy tone that falls right in line with the band’s casual musical accompaniment.  Imagine if the synth poppers in indie outfit White Lies collaborated for a shoegaze side project and you’ll know what to expect.

However, as can be the case with many dark, slow moving indie projects, The Static Age seems content resting at a creative saturation point.  In other words, I/O mulls around the same long, drawn out notes for the better part of it’s twenty five minute run time, while seemingly forgetting to include an essential spark.  As it stands, aside from the EP’s stellar opening sequence on “Damages” (if you ever want to feel as if transported into some sort of futuristic space odyssey, put the first twenty-five seconds on repeat), nothing much inspires.

And that’s my biggest hurtle with I/O; these tracks touch on a few interesting sounds (communicating somewhat of a “romantic” aura), but never quite develop beyond their initial impressions.  And considering that most tracks clock in at over four minutes – offering ample time for development – it’s a reality as depressing as the EP’s subdued tone.

Even when The Static Age tries standing out the results feel hollow.  For instance, “Already Dead” crawls along at a near whisper under the illusion that amping up the vocal echo and repeating the mildly profound title produces a “deep” sound.  “These Days” is as close as they come to something resembling life, but only because the increased tempo offers a much needed wake-up call for their slumbering audience.  But sure enough, the follow up, “The Closing Of The Year” echoes along like those before.

For those who thrive on music consisting almost entirely of deep, dark, pulsating waves, I/O is still probably worth checking out.  Paley certainly has his whisper down to a science, and fans will likely trumpet his ability to seep into their subconscious, but those looking for something overtly profound are well advised to pass on by.