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camden s/t cd-ep on Snapping Turtle Records. Released
7/99.
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Lyrics |
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lyrics from Reel Time Canvas:
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After a number of well-recieved local shows, the band began recording some of their early material. The end result, their four-song cd demo sold out quickly and was reissued in summer 1999 along with two additonal tracks in preparation for a summer of touring. And tour they did, along the way hitting the Midwest, East Coast and the South, playing dates with the Gloria Record, Death Cab for Cutie, Antarctica and Pedro the Lion. Fall of 1999 found Camden hard at work on their first full-length release, first at home in Milwaukee then in Seattle with Death Cab for Cutie's Chris Walla. Real Time Canvas will be released in early 2000 on Grand Theft Autumn. Look for Camden on the road again in 2000 as they are planning a spring tour with the Gloria Record and hope to hit the West Coast with Death Cab for Cutie. |
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Releases by Camden: |
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Splendid E-zine 2.11.00 visit splendid |
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Camden comes to us in the grand Milwaukee tradition of "the Beast," Laverne & Shirley and the Promise Ring, and thankfully has more in common with the latter. On this their debut EP the talented four-piece churns out heartfet yet reazor-edged pop-punk. I feel compeelled to point out that lead singer William Seidel's voice is so reminiscent of former Smoking Popes mainman Josh Caterer's that I had to check the liner notes to make sure it was not hte man himself. But as was tha case with the Popes and Caterer, it is Seidel's vocal delivery that sets Cameden apaprt from the current emo pack. At times his emotionally charged high-pitched croon soars over crunching guitars and hypnotic rhythms, as can be heard on "A Sport & A Pastime" and "Moonboots." At other times -- incessant album opener "In My New Years Heart," for one -- he coos gently over a pared-down rhythm and sparkling guitars. In the end, it's Seidel's stunning delivery, coupled with the band's inspired playing, that makes this self-titled EP a winner - jj |
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Delusions of Adequacy Feb '00 visit delusions of adequacy |
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Somewhere between your typical indie rock band and your powerful emo-rock band lies a blurry land filled by a lot of bands, all trying to incorporate the soft and pretty music that many indie rock bands are playing with the heartfelt emotion, the melodies and the various time changes of the emo bands. Most just can't pull it off, either leaning too heavily to one side or the other. And then there's Camden, who are bound to be one of my new favorite bands solely based on the fact that their music is beautiful, the vocals even more beautiful, and their music so deep it hurts. Camden is a four-piece out of Milwaukee that play just about the prettiest music you'll ever hear. This is indie rock at its best. Think Built to Spill with sweeter vocals and a little more guitar rock sound, and you'll get a hint of Camden. The band incorporates elements of rock, folk, and emo into some amazing music. This EP is a reissue of their first EP that contained four songs, plus two newer songs added. "In My New Year Heart" makes me want to cry. The music is pretty indie pop with some jangly emo guitars, but it's the lyrics. Singer William Seidel's voice is heartfelt and beautiful, and during the chorus, the backing vocals flow over and under the lead singer, singing different words for a most impressive effect. "I've spent my wildest nights under control. I'm not dying for this, should I happen to," he sings. I knew from the first time I listened to this song that I would love this band. "You Little Tiger" has a pretty guitar beat behind some excellent drums and high-hats. The vocals again are so heartfelt and passionate you want to cry. The song slows to just some soft, gentle guitar and then builds again as Seidel's voice builds and flows. "Moonboots" has the soft, personal quality of a Pedro the Lion song, but Seidel's high-pitched voice is so much sweeter that, accompanied just by an acoustic guitar, it carries so much more meaning with me. "Charcoal" has some amazing guitar rock, and the way these songs build at the chorus along with Seidel's voice is just amazing. "Although the music moves us, it gets us nowhere, until we stop listening," Seidel sings over and over. "A Sport & A Pastime" has a kind of muffled effect to it, lessening the impact of the vocals somewhat, but the music keeps up the pace. This track reminds me more of Built to Spill, with a bit more guitar rock. And the album's finale, "Double Stitched" blows me away, starting off loud and fast, although not blaring, and then slowing and building intermittently. "A pocketful of ungrateful doorways double stitched for comfort. How to fake desire?" Seidel sings. Just damn damn beautiful. Hands down, Camden is just about the best new band that I have heard in a long time. This band can rock, and it can slow down and get personal. The vocals just blow me away, so beautiful and expressive. My only complaint is that this is just a six song EP at just over 20 minutes. Every time I listen, I play it twice in succession. It's that good. Look for a full-length from the band this year, but don't wait. Go out and pick up this EP of some of the prettiest rock you've ever heard! - Jeff |
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Pillowfight 12.01.99 visit pillowfight |
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Sometimes if you look at something so close, your vision blurs and your thoughts refocus on your subconscious thinking. Then, you start to come up with images and situations that are not really there. Not following me? Remember what your college professor tells you about test questions, stay with your first answer because over-analysis can make you think too much into a question. You start to make up scenarios that don't exist. This suggestion also applies to everyday life and more specifically your relationships with your friends and loved ones. While Wisconsin's Camden perform graceful, moving rock for the Radiohead fans of the Midwest, the lyrics and singing are a bit over the top. Spending too many nights wondering what went wrong instead of moving on and improving can cause depressing effects. Self evaluation can be healthy but self blame can have dangerous consequences. In "Double Stitched," the singer views, "A pocketful of ungrateful doorways... we build bonfires from ashtrays, seldom used for well-intended lies." Instead of pushing himself into a better situation, he settles on thinking, "these are my friends, I'm doing this for attention, it's simple." Even the artwork on the inside depicts a man with his face buried in his hands. While wallowing in self-pity can evoke creativity in trying to explain your feelings through art, Camden's work is too personal and depressing to work here. Maybe since I don't have time to evaluate where I currently stand, that may be the reason this does nothing for me. I'm too busy moving on. Mike Headley.top¡ã |
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