New beginnings are always fascinating and exciting but also full of uncertainty. Often times, these experiences influence some of our most notable and significant works of art, especially in the medium of music. NJ-based indie outfit The Extensions channel the euphoria, excitement, and honesty of such beginnings on their first official release Bellicose. The six songs here are a mix of upbeat, high-energy, and vibrant indie-influenced alternative rock with elements of brit-pop, power-pop, and a distinct mix of retro and contemporary influences as well. Lead vocalist and songwriter Brian Erickson, former member of The Paper Jets, anchors his refreshing songwriting with accessible wit, resulting in a layered, engaging, and enormously appealing record.
The mission statement of Bellicose is made apparent on opening track “Hollowed Out” as its exhilarating blast of energy announces itself. The lyrics including the refrain of “Didn’t get the message, didn’t pass the test” reveal that The Extensions are a band concerned with the every-day more so than indulging in standard rock and roll subject matter.
The human concerns of the record carry over to stand-outs “Fake The Rest” and “Across Your Shoulder.” Both tracks offer rich arrangements and showcase more of Erickson’s unique lyricism as the singer examines the struggle to achieve authenticity and maintain a genuine connection. While these themes could run the risk of sounding heavy-handed, thanks to the lively and crisp production and tight-knit unity, The Extensions manage to instill these songs with exuberance and gusto. In terms of musicality, guitarist Kevin Newcomb helps to add rhythm and texture to the proceedings, and kudos also to keyboardist Lisa Lovell who adds flair and character to the arrangements.
In terms of presentation, The Extensions demonstrate a genuine momentum and sophistication to their sound. Each song is seamlessly paced and sequenced. Performance-wise, each member is fully committed, and they all demonstrate genuine chemistry among one another. As the frontman, Erickson is consistently passionate and commanding while also displaying the right amount of vulnerability, humor, and confidence. Thankfully, he also allows space for his bandmates to shine – the production highlights each member’s respective strengths while still showcasing the band as a whole. Influence-wise, The Extensions seem to be inspired by the confessional stylings of 80s/90s new-wave acts such as The Smiths while also demonstrating an affinity for more modern acts like The Killers. The band wisely integrate their influences to accomplish a rich and complex style all their own.
What genuinely makes Bellicose such a satisfying listen is the purity and soul of its execution and ambitions. Erickson and crew are clearly dedicated to creating music as truthful, dynamic, and resonant as possible and demonstrate a delightful amount of potential here. As a debut EP, Bellicose is not only impressively crafted and arranged but also deeply personal and relatable. While The Extensions are still a relatively new entity, their latest release is a more than worthy showcase of their genuine talent and promising future. If they continue to carry on in this direction, they won’t have to fake the rest at all.
Songs to Spin: “Fake The Rest,” “Hollowed Out,” “Across Your Shoulder”
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