Ventilator – Reseda Spleen
This release is part of the 40th Anniversary of the Hoboken, NJ-based indie label Bar/None Records – why is that important? Because there was a time when Hoboken was as pivotal as the music coming out of Athens, GA. Bands & artists that actually penetrated the charts or clubs in one manner or another. A venue Maxwell’s played a big part in promoting some of these musicians.
This set is a reissue of the 1996 debut from L.A. proto-Dream Pop psyche-band Ventilator (originally from Chicago’s Delmore Records). There are 10 homegrown pieces to Reseda Spleen (Dropped Oct 9/Bar/None Records/49:31) produced by lead singer Matt Devine (guitar/bass) who went on to Possum Dixon. He created this full-sounding guitar irrigated landscape. Yes, it’s psychedelically tinged, but there are musical breaks that are instrumentally atmospheric which adds to its appeal.
A bit noisy, but the pop-confection of the music is sugar used the way Italians use it on expensive pastries not movie theater candy. “The Tailor’s Lament,” is the intro to the LP which works but Devine’s tenor on balladry like “Lansdowne” is a bit maudlin. The playing is formidable but it’s not George Harrison’s “Something.”
“Earthquake Song” is more focused with its wall-of-sound guitars & effects that still sound compelling if not incomplete. The catchiest tune & most attractive is “Happy New Year,” which is a far better song for Matt to sing. Nice guitar paints colorful notes throughout. The songs have a personal identity – it isn’t all intensity high with no aim. Each song is a well-written piece.
“In Mysterium” is more intense. Good riff & groove. Some durable drum fills & beats keep the song anchored while the lead guitar scurries around. It sounds good. Another fine vocal by Matt – though he falls a little short of the sweeping crunch of The Wild Stares (“Part of the Picture”) & the stirring clever hook-filled “Dot-Dash” by Wire.
Another far better attempt on balladry is “Jericho’s Pool” where Matt sings more whispery with an accompanying well-played acoustic guitar reminiscent of the things the English band Strawbs used to do (“The Life Auction”). Matt doesn’t have a signature voice like Dave Cousins, but this song is a prodigious step in the right direction.
There is nothing terrible here. The production is surprisingly good. The songs are diversified enough. But, in 1996, who knows? Tough business. Too many bands sounding like U2, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam & The Wallflowers. That’s heavy competition & talented groups like this just never make it to the front of the line. And should have. The bonus “Titanic” — 11th track is marvelous.
Highlights – “The Tailor’s Lament,” “Earthquake Song,” “Happy New Year,” “In Mysterium,” “Jericho’s Pool,” Skip Spence’s “Little Hands,” “Lint Duet” & “Titanic.”
Musicians – Linda Devine (bgv), Byron Reynolds (drums/percussion), Jeff Caruana (lap steel/Hawaiian steel guitar) & Brad Laner (bass guitar).
Cover photo by Karl Rumph. CD @ Bandcamp & https://www.bar-none.com/store/ventilator-reseda-spleen