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Restorations – Self-Titled
Self-Released – Release Date: 3/22/24
While it’s been over five years since they released new music, Restorations have returned with a new sense of focus and sounding like they were never on any sort of hiatus. This self-titled record takes elements from each of their previous full-lengths and adds a host of new ideas, resulting in the band’s strongest and most confident album yet. The first song, “Field Recordings,” manages to contain most all of the record’s positive traits. It has a unique structure that doesn’t follow typical patterns, a multitude of layers and expert use of dynamics. It also highlights their distinctive ability to sing about timely social issues, but do so in a way that’s not obvious. The song even finds a way to incorporate an anthemic chorus and closes with an outro of guitar leads that wash over the listener like repeated waves.
“Film Maudit” features a slight folk vibe in its guitar work, but is contrasted with a persistent, head-bopping rhythm. There’s also a serene part in the middle section, where the song quiets to just a clean guitar lead. It’s here that the track almost shifts entirely, but it’s flawlessly executed and doesn’t seem disjointed in any way. The vocal range of singer/guitarist Jon Loudon is on display throughout, with lyrics that talk about abandoning a fight you can’t win. It doesn’t advocate giving up, but instead expresses a desire to simply no longer play the game. “Big, Dumb” begins with an electronic intro and random background noise that eventually segues to a soft piano section. After a few bars the entire band comes careening in and is rocking out at full force. Loudon sings, “Aren’t you tired of being lonely? Aren’t you tired of being mean?” and it rings like a snapshot of our everyday life. Other standouts include the fuzzy riffs on “Cured,” the layered backing vocals in the chorus of “800” and the overlapping guitar leads on “Someone Else’s Dream.”
The album’s last entry, “Charm,” appropriately presents a reflective tone. There’s a static-like effect on the vocals in the verse, which possibly symbolizes distractions or outside noise. However, undistorted vocals emerge in the chorus and provide clarity. The lyrics have a sense of longing for the simplicity of the past, but at the same time knowing there’s no going back. The song fittingly ends with Loudon repeating, “Don’t look away now,” urging the listener not to be afraid of embracing the future.
It’s a rare feat when a band can take this sort of break and resume without skipping a beat, let alone create their defining record. Restorations have somehow done just that and their return is undoubtedly one of the most welcomed surprises of the year.
Restorations – LP5000
Tiny Engines – Release Date: 9/28/18
Within seconds of listening to the opening track on LP5000, it’s plainly evident that Restorations have found a new sense of focus and made significant strides since their last full-length. And that’s not to say anything derogatory about their previous work. Rather, this album is simply confirmation of a really good band turning the corner and becoming great. The first song, “St.,” establishes a mood of disillusion and disconnect that’s present throughout, yet there’s also a sense of resistance that’s never too far out of reach. Singer/guitarist Jon Loudon’s vocals are nothing short of commanding, leading the charge of an empathetic chorus, “I’ll tell you what you already know / Can’t do this all on your own.” “Nonbeliever” deals with the inevitable ways in which relationships change over time, as well as societal changes that are perhaps unavoidable too. It features interwoven guitar leads and inventive rhythms, both of which collaborate to make for one of the record’s most memorable tracks. “The Red Door” is an indie rock-leaning entry that’s exceedingly catchy, but in a manner that’s unique and unpredictable. It addresses the ongoing gentrification in the band’s hometown of Philadelphia, a theme that surfaces multiple times on the record.
The production, courtesy of Jon Low, (The National, Frightened Rabbit) draws attention to the subtleties of the songwriting, while simultaneously making complex arrangements sound effortless. And as much as LP5000 is about Restorations reaching their apex, it’s also centered on observations, both in terms personal connections and what it’s like to be living in today’s America. In that sense it’s very much rooted in the present, yet this record is also somewhat timeless as it’s one of the best examples of anthemic rock ‘n’ roll to come along in years.
Restorations
Restorations are a band that defies classification. They combine elements of post-hardcore, indie rock and punk, together with thoughtful and accomplished songwriting, to generate a sound that’s both unique and engaging. Their songs cans be intricate and complex at times, but they also know when to just go for it and rock out with immense energy. In short, Restorations have crafted in LP2 what is arguably one of the most refreshing and impressive records of 2013. We caught up with the band before their recent show at Subterranean and talked with singer/guitarist Jon Loudon. We discussed their new album for Side One Dummy, their summer tour, future plans and more. Also, be sure to check out Restorations’ video for the song “D” after the interview.
Restorations – LP2
Side One Dummy – Release Date: 4/02/13
Restorations are a five-piece band that formed in 2008 and hail from Philadelphia, PA. LP2 is their first album for Side One Dummy and it proves to be a layered and varied record that’s engaging from start to finish. “D” is the first song and it starts with interwoven guitar melodies that give way to a charging rhythm section before the emergence of some hypnotic and dizzying guitar work. Eventually the slightly worn yet assured vocals come in and the listener knows that they’re experiencing something uniquely special. “Let’s Blow Up the Sun” is an exceptional track that demonstrates the band’s understanding of dynamics and restraint. Around the two-minute mark the music quiets to just the singer and one guitar, but soon the rest of the band joins in and spends the duration of the song rockin’ out with reckless abandon. “Civil Inattention” sounds like an amped-up version of The Weakerthans, which is of course a good thing, while “New Old” is the album’s most punk-influenced entry, as well as its catchiest. LP2 concludes with “Adventure Tortoise,” an epic, personal closer that’s six minutes long but remains interesting throughout. Perhaps one of Restorations’ best attributes is the fact that they don’t sound like every other band that’s out there nowadays. They combine a variety of genres with skillful songwriting, resulting in a finished product that’s both distinctive and accessible. Don’t be surprised if you hear a lot more about these guys in the near future.
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