Farewell Typewriter

On Selfish, Farewell Typewriter remembers what it’s like to be on the verge of adulthood. A coming of age story, the CD finds the Bay Area quartet revisiting the trials typically associated with one’s late teens and early twenties to the beat of catchy indie rock tunes.

The album starts off with “I’m Good I Swear,” a song about the challenges of upholding moral beliefs when faced with being responsible for one’s own actions. Grant Shellen sings, “I knew when I went to college / That my head would fill with knowledge / But I hoped it wouldn’t push my values out / Seven bottles later / As I puked in the elevator / I knew there had to be an in-between.” Following this opening track are several variations on the “girls are so confusing” strain of boy-talk. The final song, “You Know the One I Mean” attempts an ode to the moochy friend: “I’m the ghost that always haunts / I’m the friend that always wants / Something done for him and done ASAP.” A very truthful and seriously funny song.

The tone and overall vocal style are very straightforward on Selfish and the CD is generally no frills as far as instrumentation is concerned. Solid drumming by Steve Slater propels each song forward into a swelling bridge or a swinging chorus. A synthesizer comes in on two songs in a successful attempt to up the dorkitude.

For an initial effort, this album presents itself well. It seems it would be most relatable and enjoyed by those currently struggling through this limbo zone of growing up, with plenty of potential for new dimensions to be added musically as the band matures and other lyrical themes are explored.

-Allison Foley - West Coast Performer