Normandy
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Normandy

New York City, New York, United States

New York City, New York, United States
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"Normandy Loiterer EP"

Normandy - The Loiterer EP
Record Label: Self-released
Release Date: June 29, 2010

Who?
Normandy is an indie-rock quintet fronted by 29-year-old Vincent Dee, a Brooklyn Heights resident. The Loiterer EP is their second effort and first in four years. Rhythm guitarist Andrew Romano and vocalist/songwriter Dee are the only remnants of Normandy's original lineup.

How is it?
Impressive. The Loiterer EP kickstarts with the rugged, craggy affair "Whenever," featuring faint vocals and a texture that's rough and abrasive. A minute into the exercise, an airy synth makes an appearance and pushes the song in a different direction. After a clumsy start, the entire performance feels more complete, fleshed out and textured. As it comes to a close, the synth swirls over Dee's muffled vocals and once again furthers the sensation of disorientation. If this is indeed what the quintet was hoping for, then they have achieved it, but as an opener, it's tough to fully embrace. Thankfully the band rectifies any and all mistakes with one of 2010's most surprising and indelible compositions, a hypnotic and cinematic tour-de-force entitled "(But) We're on Fire."

Anchored by Dee's dreamy falsetto, the song moves to a subtle crescendo halfway through and then settles down, before rising again. And it is there, in that last rising motion that Dee and company cement their mark as one of 2010's most unassuming and most interesting new prospects. While it's probably hyperbolic to admit, "(But) We're On Fire," just might be one of the best romance songs written this year, and one of the year's best songs, period. On the heels of that is the title-track, a rousing mid-tempo effort with a decidedly Mancunian feel. Arguably the album's second-best cut, "Loiterer," bristles with Dee's plaintive vocal leanings and shimmering guitarwork. Though it's mildly repetitive, the song's winning moments –– most notably a hissing synth ––– more than make up for its shortcomings. Penultimate number "Is there a Place?" draws on the same vibe as "(But) We're on Fire," but moves along more deliberately.

Unfortunately Dee's vocals never materialize and are criminally underused, leaving the sonic landscape to do all the work. Decidedly mopey and definitely British, there's glimmers of promise sprinkled throughout its three minutes. The EP ends with "Untitled," a celestial and ambient affair with slithering currents of noise and a languorous veneer that points towards something truly promising. When it finishes at the 2:30 mark, one can't help but feel cheated. Certainly the could have used an extra minute, no?

And so it ends, a brief under-20 minute affair from a quintet criminally under-the-radar. Being that they're operating sans label in a locale chock full of young, indie upstarts, one can't be surprised that Normandy are still very much unknown. But with an EP like this under their belt, one can't help but think larger venues and wider acclaim are on the horizon. If anything, "(But) We're on Fire," is proof enough to take this band seriously. CMJ, take notice. Normandy would do quite well in an upcoming installment of your famed autumn music marathon. - AbsolutePunk.net


"Review: Normandy – Time I’ve Wasted EP (or) watch me floating inches above"

Sometimes great stuff somehow sneaks its way into my inbox. A recent find was the Time I’ve Wasted EP from the New York band Normandy. It bustles forth with four songs full of energy and melody. It is untamed indie pop that dares to be a little noisy as well as catchy. The result is something akin to a much less dangerous and kid-friendly version of Parts And Labor. Like wearing sunscreen and staying out in the sun a little too long, it might hurt a little, but its not a bad burn and the tan you’re gonna get is totally worth it.

Although singer Vincent Dee claims that the Shins didn’t change his life, I think that fans of that band would also enjoy Normandy as would any fan of catchy upbeat indie pop-rock. Fans of Normandy has graciously made the entire Time I’ve Wasted EP available for download from their myspace site. Load it up on your iPod or your Zune, plug it into your MP3 player equipped automobile, roll down the windows, and head out for a drive. Or just listen on the train to work. Good stuff. - CanYouSeeTheSunset.com


"Music, Music, Music..."

The guitars are plugged in and Normandy from NY has recorded a couple of noisy, but catchy and highly entertaining indie rock tracks. Both tracks are from the debut EP Time I've Wasted released on March 24.
+ Sweatshop
+ Kentucky Isolation - Hits In The Car


"Normandy - Her Eyes Don't Water"

Normandy are a New York based quintet in a search of the perfect indie pop thrill. Their new ‘Time I’ve Wasted’ EP is their first attempt at capturing the holy grail and while they still have a bit to go there is every reason to expect that Normandy will one day be wrestling the initiative from James Mercer and co. Their EP boasts 4 strong tracks with ‘Her Eyes Don’t Water’ and ‘Kentucky Isolation’ (Gabi's backing vocals add a neat dimension) taking home the laurels for most fulfilling tracks. Normandy have geeky charm in spades which should see them appealing to the Weezer set as well as the aforementioned Shins. But, outside of all the inevitable comparisons you can’t get away from the fact that Vincent Dee’s gang write tunes built for joyous occasions crying out for an upbeat soundtrack. - KD - MP3 Hugger


"Lost At Sea With Your Parents"

Normandy - "Kentucky Isolation" I see great banners, or great pillars, or great lights. I see a mansion alone, no faces or bodies, but their presence implied, suggested, they could be four damn stories tall, who knows? This song blares at whatever volume you set it. It doesn't wear a seatbelt. It's like writing an exam you know you've failed; it's oddly satisfying. It's just got some good vibrations in it, that's all. - Said the Gramophone


"Time I've Wasted"

Time I've Wasted is a fun-filled romp through all the things that made Weezer and Pavement such an enjoyable listen in the '90s... The band is fronted by main songwriter Vincent Dee, who claims that Normandy was created due to the fact that the Shins did not change his life. I hate to break it to Dee, but he does share a pretty strong pop sensibility to with the Shins, although his own band prefers crunchier guitars and a much brisker tempo. Their debut EP was self-produced, which gives it a charmingly lo-fi flavor... "Sweatshop" actually feels like a much more rockin' version of Belle & Sebastian in the beginning, with Dee's staccato vocal delivery and a sing-along melody. Once the guitars crash in, all thoughts of Belle are eliminated in an instant. "Her Eyes Don't Water" is possibly the strongest track on the album, showing a greater use of dynamics using the quiet intro - loud chorus formula of indie pop. On this, the musicianship of the rest of the band is allowed to shine, with layers soaring vocal harmonies. This is one of those tracks that you'd swear you heard back during your Gen X college radio days. - The Tripwire


"Normandy Record Release"

New York-based Normandy's lead singer sounds kind of like the lead singer of Ambulance LTD -- but in a good way. We're particularly taken with their song "Her Eyes Don't Water" and have been humming it all morning. - Paper Magazine


"Normandy Seduces Deli Writer"

If Normandy were a lady I met at a bar, instead of five dudes who make Rock, I would have probably creeped her out three minuets into our conversation. Not through overconfidence, but the kind of creeped out that is 40% pity 60% "please leave me alone". I'd get overexcited about how cool she is, then fear and inadequacy would set in and she'd smell the desperation. Fortunately for Normandy, there is an interweb betwixt us, and I can only creep out my co-workers as I mumblesing and rock at my desk. This band does it right; the playing is tight, the arrangements are economical, the production pops like bacon, and every component of their songs is a hook. Each song is bright and instantly catchy. Do yourself a goddam favor and listen to "Her Eyes Don't Water" on their myspace ( www.myspace.com/normandy). I don't normally do this, but I like you Normandy. I like what you do. - Michael Henry
- The Deli Magazine


Discography

Time I've Wasted (2007)
Loiterer EP (2010)

Photos

Bio

Once upon a time, Normandy was awesome. Then Normandy ceased to be awesome. Then, Normandy was awesome again--some would even say, "awesomer."

Or: Normandy is one of the most talented bands in Brooklyn. The band is the brainchild of songwriter & producer Vincent Dee. The music, fittingly, comes out sounding like his favorite bands--the Pixies, Guided By Voices, Wire, Joy Division, the Soft Boys and the Beach Boys.

Normandy is comprised of journalist rock star Andrew Romano (Newsweek), rock star rock star Tim McCoy (Savoir Adore), industry vet Jordan Melkin, and design rock star Evelyn Lee. It's a veritable firestorm of egos.

The band has graced the stages of NYC venus like the Mercury Lounge, Cake Shop, Bruar Falls, the Knitting Factory, and Bar Matchless.

The band recently released its second effort, "Loiterer," to rave review, singular. (It's only been out a week.) The record is streaming in its entirety at http://normandyband.tumblr.com, if you're curious as to what the modest amount of fuss is about.

Feel free to contact the band at normandyband@gmail.com. Or, for old times' sake: www.myspace.com/normandy.