Illustration by Nadia Hafid.
It’s Spring and I am more than ready for a few wild adventures, a refreshing beverage, and of course, some rad-ass music. Hailing from a low-key and unpredictable, yet abstract and wicked Los Angeles area known as Monrovia, California, comes the ruthless band of misfits, Meatbodies. Chad Ubovich, Kevin Boog and Patrick Nolan embody the name of their band quite effectively as they splice, dice, and mix garage-rock with past poets, present icons, and integrate classic rock n’ roll elements. Meatbodies appeal to those of us that fiend for the newest Ty Segall releases and other phenomenal punk geniuses — think Thee Oh Sees, Mikal Cronin, Ex-Cult. The trio takes their interests, emotions, and experiences and distributes them into thrashing tunes fit for any crowd of head-banging hooligans.
While Meatbodies has been growing their catalog of psych and hard rock tunes since their inception in 2013, one track that particularly stands out is “Valley Girl,” released as a single from their newest LP Alice. Carelessly sung lyrics about a stereotypical Californian gal are garnished with short pauses, high-pitched whistles, and infectious surfy guitar and drums that add foundation to the story. The vocals let us know they are dazed by the conversation being stirred about this mysterious valley girl, and in turn, chock up an image of palm trees, Mulholland Drive, and cheesy romantic overlooks. Meatbodies impress from the beginning and continue to electrify with their multifaceted sound. As I keep on listening to their jams, I can’t stop bobbing my head. It is truly an epidemic — substantial, raw rock still exists and it comes in the form of the trio’s song, “Kings,” also from Alice. Alice is definitely an album to get jazzed about. Meatbodies throw together futuristic-sounding alterations and heavy instrumentals into a sonic bowl and create one of the most wholesome concert worthy compilations of 2017. The tracks base of the space meets star lover tune, boasts vocals that have us thinking there might be some David Bowie inspiration nestled in there; or are we just insane? No matter where the motive came from, it is a song for the daydreamers, believers, and those wanting to escape reality.
Meatbodies will be touring around North America promoting their latest record Alice and pastimes of their enchantment. Check to find a city near you to hear em’ live.