Back when the A&R ExpenseAccountASaurus ruled the earth, orders from above were typically like this: “Find me the next BLINK 182.” And out the A&R yes men went, searching high and low, scene-to-scene, for the next batch of darling punk rockers with growing indie sales and touring revenue. While the search and retrieve style of signing bands did often provide for interesting results (GREEN DAY begat SAMIAM; OFFSPRING begat UNWRITTEN LAW), there was always a derivative element to these types of signings. Generally, the signings were singular in depth. With EAGLE SCOUT, it’s as if Moses commanded a noble indie rocker to create a band with the perfect combination of GET UP KIDS and MINUS THE BEAR influences. Unlike following the tailwind of the current big thing, EAGLE SCOUT have tapped the well of two distinct sounds, asked if they would blend, and found out that (1) you could combine polished, warm midwestern emo with angular post-punk boogie beats; and (2) it helps if your drummer is really, really good. New Hands is that rare kind of release that is full of poignant, dripping in sincerity vocals, rhythm section busyness, and is a flat out force to get you to bust a move, which slipping in some gang vocals too. The last release to strike me like this was Q AND NOT U’s Different Damage, and arguably, EAGLE SCOUT’s extra fit of punk rock fight give it more bite. Producer Matt Goldman lends a polish to New Hands that splits the difference between the band’s manic energy and apparent sophistication – think of the transition between mid-run BRAID recordings and HEY MERCEDES’ two Vagrant Releases. It’s pleasing on the ears and is a peace keeper in preventing everything from spiraling out of control. As a society, we appreciate the task of re-engineering because it makes us smarter furthers innovation – the same holds true when musicians deconstruct their influences and arrange them to fit new ideas.

Cavity Records