Review Summary: Dream pop meets twinkly emo
Demos typically exist to show what a band can do. Bands usually record demos with low audio quality on their own and ship them out to record labels to give a glimpse of what the band might sound like with a proper studio budget. Funeral Advantage have done just that with their release simply titled
Demo, but the difference is that the lo-fi audio quality actually goes well with the band's sound. Funeral Advantage use swirling guitar chords typical with the dream pop genre, but add a unique spin by implementing guitar riffs and arpeggios typically associated with twinkly midwestern emo. This type of guitar work blends surprisingly well with the dream like low-in-the-mix vocals used by the band. Funeral Advantage's dream like and atmospheric sound shines through perfectly with the lo-fi demo quality, making for a highly enjoyable EP that doesn't sound like it would need to be re-recorded or benefited from a large studio budget.
Funeral Advantage's demo is also noteworthy for it's use of keyboard, which is used sparingly and only used only when it can really elevates the music, like the bridge in "No Wind," and to create atmosphere in "Christine Forever." The well placed keyboard along with the effects laden guitar makes for a great full sound that compliments the low key vocals and results in a relaxing and enjoyable listen.
Funeral Advantage basically sound like a midwestern emo band on adderall whose singer is standing a bit too far away from the mic. They're musically downbeat, but surprisingly not in a depressing manner. It's rare that a band gets it right on the first try, but Funeral Advantage certainly have with their demo which is a great start to what is sure to be a great discography.
