Review: SPC ECO “Big Fat World EP”

While I was away on vacation, SPC ECO was busy releasing their latest
collection of music, the Big Fat World EP.  I had no clue they were planning to put out new music, so this was a pleasant surprise.  They've already released two other EPs plus a full-length album, and another EP just adds to what they've been doing in the past few years.  Overall, it's a very strong EP with some great new additions to their repertoire. 

Opening song "Gone" has been heard before via YouTube, and it's a good way to start things off.  It's somewhat industrial, darker than many of their other songs.  The guitars are a little more threatening, the bass a little deeper, and Rose's vocals a bit more ominous.  Next comes "Silo Too High," which brings us back to the spacey, dreamy sound that SPC ECO does so well.  As always, Rose Berlin's voice carries us through the song.  The beat hammers along slowly, and Rose drenches us in beauty.

Song three is the title track, "Big Fat World," possibly one of their best songs yet.  Unlike many other songs, Rose's vocals aren't hidden behind effects and echoes.  Her voice is loud and clear, almost too much so.  I really enjoy the melody here.  The verses set us up for the chorus, when Rose really soars.  Also great is the drumming, which is a bit livelier than it usually is for this band.

"Forever Now" isn't the most memorable track on the album, but it does feature some soft, sweet vocals by Rose.  By now, you should be realizing that Rose's voice is a key component of the SPC ECO sound.  This is a peaceful song, something you can really relax to.

"Here I Am" is another killer track.  It's all about the chorus, which is beautiful musically and lyrically.  The last song, "Feels Like Flying," is another song that's up there with their best.  It's a 7 minute epic with absolutely gorgeous vocals.  The bass playing by Dean Garcia is excellent too.  The whole EP leads up to this, and it doesn't disappoint.  Hearing it will make you feel like flying, too.

It's so nice to get some new songs from a band I've only recently discovered and fallen in love with.  This EP is quite excellent, and has some very strong material.  I know "Feels Like Flying" is going to be a popular concert favorite.  This band makes beautiful music, and I can't wait until the next EP, single or LP.

You can get the Big Fat World EP at SPC ECO's Bandcamp page for the big fat price of free right now.  Go download and listen!  It's worth your time.         

SPC ECO: Music of my dreams

In the past year, I've become a lover of the Shoegaze genre of Alternative Rock.  You can expect to see quite a few Shoegaze posts from me in the future.  It all started with My Bloody Valentine (which of course led me to buying the outstanding Loveless) and eventually led to the kind-of-shoegazey Curve.  I'll cover Curve in another post, they're outstanding.

One night a couple weeks ago I was browsing YouTube for Curve videos when I saw a comment about Curve bassist Dean Garcia's new project, SPC ECO (pronounced Space Echo, after a piece of favorite gear).  I was curious, of course, so I searched for any videos of them I could find.  I clicked on the following, the clip for "Telling You," and I was blown away:

Did I mention I was blown away?  I was hooked from the get-go.  This, friends, really speaks to me!  It's hazy, dreamy, soft, smooth, calming.  But what really sets SPC ECO apart is the ethereal vocals from Rose Berlin.  Her last name?  Garcia.  Yes, she is the daughter of Dean Garcia!  Her voice really soothes me and almost puts me in a trance.  Just the kind of thing I really like.

Other than Dean and Rose, the other members of the band are guitar master Joey Levenson, Monti (ex-Curve) on drums, Debbie Smith (also ex-Curve) on guitar and HKG on guitar.

SPC ECO has one full-length LP and two great E.P.s for your enjoyment.  I have purchased one of their E.P.s myself and am currently awaiting its arrival.  The LP is available on Amazon (mostly through the third party sellers) and all of their music is available digitally through their website.  You can also get their music physically by ordering through the Electric Label, like I did.  I'm not sure about iTunes availability.

So, what can one expect from SPC ECO?  Spacey, buzzy guitars (that aren't too loud, like you might find in Curve).  Slower, more atmospheric songs, nothing to rock out to.  And you'll definitely find some of the most sensual, heavenly female vocals anywhere.  If you like dreampop, shoegaze, or just good music, check this band out and support them.  I want them to stick around.

Find them at:

SPCECO.com
SPC ECO on Wikipedia
SPC ECO on Youtube

And, lastly, my favorite SPC ECO song: