Petals of Spain- Soul Canon Review
The Summit Music Hall Hosts Petals of Spain’s EP Release Party
by Harrison Welshimer
Let’s rock n’ roll, scream n’ yell, stomp n’ shout and just feel ALIVE! That’s what the Denver band Petals of Spain says to me in their yet-to-be issued EP titled Soul Canon … and I dig it. The group celebrates its first EP release Saturday, March 2nd at Summit Music Hall.
I first heard of Petals of Spain after I was contacted by founding member Nic Hammerberg a few months ago. I had just put up my website, musicmunch.com and was promoting local bands. Nic told me PofS was releasing their first EP and wanted to send me a sneak peak. Since then, I’ve seen them rock The Oriental Theater and now I’m writing this review because this band has something special.
Hammerberg and longtime friend, Hunter Hall, had been singing together for years and found the pull of Denver’s rock scene irresistible. So they did what most teenagers do when confronted by this urge and formed a band. However, unlike most young rockers, they had the talent and drive to create something worth listening to. Hall and Hammerberg grabbed jazz bassist Mason Shelmire along with several other classmates to form Petals of Spain in 2008. In 2010, the band was hit with its first major obstacle when several members decided upon other pursuits. Fortunately for PofS, drummer Dylan Johnson fell into their groove later that year. Three years down the road, not only are they rocking harder, they’re also hungrier than ever before.
Soul Canon jumps right off with Petals of Spain’s hot new single “I Gotta Know.” It’s a track that makes you wanna dance! I’m not the only critic who has compared this band to Queen, but this rock giant’s influence is definitely prevalent here. Lead singer Hall’s vocal style is lyrical and smooth, just like Freddie Mercury. Hammerberg’s harmonies are also reminiscent of Queen’s backup vocalist Brian May. But this song is also much more than a remix of influences. There’s a joy for life within the lyrics and rhythm that says, “This might be the last day of our lives, so let’s live it!” Hammerberg attributes this feeling to the band’s devotion to its craft, “We’re addicted to it. It’s all we think about.”
Petals of Spain performs at the Summit Music Hall on Sat., March 2nd
Second on the EP is another single release, “Shine.” This tune breaks into new territory with its soul-funk groove. Shelmire grinds on his strings, plugging away in the style of great Motown bassist James Lee Jamerson. Johnson easily shifts from funk to rock when the song enters the chorus. Hammerberg rips slick guitar riffs over Hill’s vocals, giving this older style a modern sensibility.
The real surprise on Soul Canon is the unreleased “Oo Mei Baba Wei.” Its psychedelic rock style is completely unique with its mix of compound and asymmetric meters (quick lesson for our readers: almost every rock song is in regular 4/4 time; compound meter has a three on the floor feel while asymmetric meter is just crazy!). Yet Petals of Spain has no trouble making this song approachable for the average listener. In fact, with its catchy rhythmic chorus, I suspect it’s going to leave all fans jamming.
The other two unreleased tunes are “Love Really Breaks” and “So You’re Gonna Quit Now.” Both add unique flavors to an EP that is already loaded with great music. Last on the EP is “Lady Luck”, originally released by the band in 2011. The horn hits and vocal melodies crackle and spark over a sick, laid-back funk groove which provides the foundation.
Where Soul Canon impresses the most is in the radio-appeal of each track. Says Hammerberg, “We like to write short songs, something that sticks in people’s heads.” But don’t let me lead you astray. Petals of Spain is not a “wannabe pop rock” band. Their songs have a maturity that speaks to their 4 ½ years together coupled with a brazenness that incorporates all that is great about rock n’ roll. As the band says, “Sex, drugs, and rock & roll is something the Petals take seriously.” It’s our turn to take them seriously in return.
Category: A-Sides
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