The Ambient intro on Standbye's Days Spent Waiting starts out with a wonderful progression of levels and layers, and then bleeds into fading feedback that outstays its welcome. That's ok, skip buttons were invented for a reason, and the soon to be ensuing midwest indie-rock with a snotty girl pop twist quickly erases all irritated ear drum remembrance. Songs like Brevity, Debbie, and Vanitos are solidly written and exude sonic and lyrical character. Chicago rock snobbery gets a nod and a snub by these crafty Minnesotans, as they pour through pounding, textured bridges, shimmering choruses, and sometimes soothing—sometimes gut wrenching vocals. In general: passionate, smart ear candy sure to lift the soul and further validate the underground spirit. This disc is rock ingenuity and highly recommended.
Other coverage for this album
Exit Zine 2000Reviewed by James M. BranumThis is a very good album. It is well-crafted indie rock with pop and even some hard elements occasionally thrown in the mix. (The band's website even claims Black Sabbath as a musical influence. That may be a stretch, but you can certainly hear a harder edge in the song "ears to hear.") The closest thing I would compare standbye's sound to might be Pep Squad, especially in the vocals. The lead…
