play/start

So those super hero looking types up there? That’s Play/Start, an awesome four-piece from Portland, Oregon.

I must say, I was intrigued and moderately concerned when I was first directed to Play/Start’s bandcamp. There are neon colors and very sharp, angular, vaguely intimidating fonts. I was reminded immediately of those awful pretend pop-punk bands like All Time Low. Luckily, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Play/Start is awesome. Although, if anyone knows of any queer bands in the vein of All Time Low, or The Maine, I’m really, really interested to hear them. It’s subverting some paradigm somewhere, I just know it.

ANYWAYS, Play/Start just released their first full length, The Alibi, a couple of weeks ago and it takes obvious influence from early to mid-90s queercore and riot grrrl. Their sound is harsh and fuzzy, with a single guitar alternating between chunky power chords and catchy, repetitious riffs. The bass is trebley, with almost no warmth, and does a lot more than chug along with root notes. On songs like album closer “Plain States,” the bass and guitar weave riffs together, creating a more complex sound than many of their forebands and peers manage to craft. Vocalist Sarah Van Dyck has a style similar to Kaia Wilson mixed with a bit of killer Beth Ditto, with some great soaring notes. (Seriously, listen to “Love Jail”).

Honestly, if I didn’t know any better, I would think this is from 1995, and that is a total compliment. The recording gives it a lo-fi feel without it being tough to listen to, as those of you with 128kps rips of Personal Best can attest to. Just so much of it harkens back to the heyday of queercore, which gives me hope. So go out and download The Alibi at their bandcamp, and donate if you can so they can go and tour and keep making awesome music. - Fuck Yeah Queer Music

I've never been to Portland but if I were to go, I would probably try to time my visit with a Play/Start show because I can only imagine the kind of raucous fun they'd be live.

...The band released their first EP in late November and it contains five solid and fully-charged tracks. I like this one in particular because the hook is strong and catchy. The whole song is also supported by a choppy guitar line that empties out in a fast, thrashy build-up. Again, I can only imagine how awesome and fun this band is to watch live. - One Sweet Song

Play/start, also from Portland, dip into garage-punk... brewing a concoction of fun but moody New Wave rock. - Just Out (06/09)

Portland’s Play/Start likes the rock. Featuring Candise Branum on bass, Leslie Mowrer on guitar, Lorenzo Triburgo on drums and Sarah Van Dyck on vocals, the group digs fuzzy tones, aggressive yet thoughtful lyrics and generally simple riffs with sharp corners... Both bands seem to be edging toward an almost operatic approach vocally, Gun Shot Whiskey more than Play/Start, but both groups are definitely raw at heart. - Portland Tribune