The wait for the debut from Continuals is over. They've offered up a few tracks on Bandcamp, and a limited run flexidisc, but this is their first full-length and it's a showcase for each player here. With guitars and vocals from Ryan Nelson (Soccer Team, The Most Secret Method), bass from Michael Honch (Hunger Artist, Numbers Station, Alarms & Controls), and drums from Darren Zentek (Kerosene 454, Office of Future Plans, Channels), the deck is stacked in favor of Continuals. Thankfully, I can report that the robust hooks and supple rhythms of Continuals are proof of the continued vitality of this region's scene.
While opener "March 3rd" suggests a debt or two owed to Jawbox -- J. Robbins recorded this album -- "The First of Many Popsicles" offers a more nuanced run at that kind of thing. Ryan sings "I wanna leave the past alone" in a way that suggests that that lyric may not be just about a personal relationship. The shadows of previous greats in this city looms large over the music here. And, of course, these are folks who were in past greats, after all, so the fun in Continuals is hearing that balancing being done between delivering the goods D.C. style, and pushing the sounds into new territories. "Caught Me Slippin', one of the real emotional -- not emo! -- highlights here, surges on power chords from Nelson and wonderfully melodic bass-lines from Honch. Elsewhere, "Flying Cross" soars into the heart of the sun, serving up some of the brightest, most direct hooks I've heard from a band in this area in ages.
The marvelous rapport these three players have here is seasoned with two crucial guest turns on Continuals. Erin Nelson of Beauty Pill lends vocals to the complex "Privacy", while the brittle "Before" stands tall thanks to vocals from Melissa Quinley (Soccer Team). There's throwback appeal due to Quinley sounding a bit like Kim Deal here, but the song works very well as Nelson's axe spars with Melissa's voice. This track makes me want to listen to those two Soccer Team albums again. "Before" and "Exile", the slightly Slint-y closer, suggest two new paths Continuals can pursue, though why would anyone want them to steer away from this energetic stuff on this first album proper?
The injection of fire into the familiar is what gives Continuals pep and zest. Compact, concise, and smartly rendered, Continuals is exactly what I hoped this band would finally offer up. More please!
Continuals by Continuals is out today. Details below on Bandcamp, or via Dischord.
[Photo: Christopher Grady]