New Music Review: Secret Cities “Pink Graffiti”

The thematic capriciousness of Pink Graffiti alongside the atmospheric scope of its songs makes the album an interesting effort. For only being a three piece from North Dakota, Secret Cities are plucky in their musical ambitions. The transition’s have an arbitrary nature to them, the songs don’t permeate or bleed into one another. Instead, the band offers various glimpses of themselves in a random order. For the most part, the semi-random assortment of styles works. Also, having two primo vocalists works much to their benefit.

“Pink City” starts off brave and frustrated. The percussion oscillates from galloping, thunderous floor tom abuse to tender tambourines to organic hand claps. In the background, a hazy mechanical sample loops in the background. The instrumentation is nicely clustered in blithe gossamer of delay, light distortion and echo effects. “We had a lot to say / but it would take all day” adds to the welcoming haze. The track walks a thin line between artful production and pretentious convolution, but after a couple of listens the track is an appropriate opener.

“Wander” is a brooding piano piece that adds pensive depth to an album that might seem too concerned with packing as much in as it can. Though the track has a brooding melancholy, it is clean and flows into the cerebrum effortlessly. The guitar work on “Color” is well executed and pairs well with the female vocals. “Pink Graffit Pt.1” is the obvious standout track on the album. Intimate yet epic, the first part of the title track is packed with various hooks and fills that keep the ear occupied. The mixes of digital and organic sounds blend in ways that compliment each other.

Secret Cities do indeed have quite a bit to say. Throughout the album, it’s easy to miss certain instances of brilliant bleeps and clever guitar play. For the trained ear, the album is a blissful achievement for a band consisting of merely three members. However, those who lack the patience to soak up the texture will be quick to turn away. Overall, Pink Graffiti is frustrating at first but mushrooms like ink in water with a few attentive listens.

Pink Graffiti is out now via Western Vinyl

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