Back in November of 2014 Soft Deadlines released their experimental take on folk and indie with “Critic.” “First-World Emergency” has this indie, geek chic feel to it like they’d tour with The Format back in the day. There was an artistic choice to muffle up some parts of “Blood of Summer” at the start that added something unique to the track, but wasn’t for the best in my opinion. It’s a slow start to get to “What No One Sees.” The build up is like a steady climb up the stairs though with no surprises, just a calm, expected pace. When we get to “Rough Surfaces,” it’s like Soft Deadlines is playing in a separate room from the audience. It’s like we’re hearing through something and not just the speakers for those who may think that’s what I meant. But like we’re displaced from the music. As we head towards the end, “Venice Is Sinking,” we pick things up and end on a very high note; ironic to sink to a high point. If you’re a fan of bands like The Format and Weezer, check out “Critic” by Soft Deadlines, out now. (https://56thstreetrecords.bandcamp.com/releases)
