In Light
[Glassnote Entertainment Group]
Givers, In Light
At first blush, you may peg Lafayette, La. band Givers as a poor man’s Vampire Weekend. You wouldn’t be completely off base, but the story runs a little deeper than that. While Givers, like other bands, have figured out ways to incorporate Afrobeat into indie-pop, they also add unique elements including clattering percussion, Zydeco-influenced melodies and – most importantly – skilled songwriting. It certainly doesn’t hurt that the band’s vocalists, Taylor Guarisco and Tif Lamson, can both really sing and create some lofty,
boy/girl harmonies.
All natives of southern Louisiana, the members were brought up in a music scene steeped rich in culture, whether it be the Cajun or Zydeco roots of their hometown, Lafayette, or the funky, dance inducing second line from New Orleans, down the I-10. This sense of traditional music informs virtually every song on In Light, but never overwhelms the buoyant, pop sensibilities of the band.
In Light’s opening track, “Up Up Up” is the ideal roadmap for the remainder of the record replete with repetitive harmonic chanting, electronic flourishes and multi-layered percussion. If this song doesn’t instantly grab you, it’s pretty likely that you’re not into Givers’ sunny, celebratory vibe. For me, this record is just in time for the season that suits it best.
Recommended for fans of: Vampire Weekend, tUnE-YarDs, Animal Collective
– Christopher Schutte
