Review: Something Like Seduction Explores New Emotional Depths with “Colors”
Whenever I hear a reggae song, it takes me right back to high school – those long, languid summers spent staying out late with friends and feeling invincible while blasting Sublime songs in the parking lot. I have to admit, it’s been a while since I’ve pulled up Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution or Iration on my Spotify. My preferred genre these days tends to lean more towards alternative/indie rock (or Broadway musicals on the other side of the spectrum). But when Esteban Obregon, drummer for Something Like Seduction, reached out to me on Instagram and asked me to check out their new EP, “Colors,” I was curious. I put on my headphones and was almost immediately transported right back to that summer of 2008.
Something Like Seduction (better known as SLS to fans) is comprised of three talented friends: Esteban Obregon (drums), Tyler Cunningham (bass) and Connor Shea (vocals and guitar). The band was formed in 2011 with roots in Tucson, Arizona and their sound is an enticing blend of reggae, rock and alternative music. They’re no strangers to the scene either, having shared a stage with bands such as Rebelution, Pepper, Atmosphere, Dirty Heads, Iration, Tribal Seeds, Passafire and Fortunate Youth, among others.
Now, on to the good stuff. Their EP opens with the song “Colors,” which features silky smooth harmonies and playful percussion (love the rattle of the vibrasnap). I’m getting total island vibes with this one and I’m already picturing myself sipping a Corona and taking a little snooze on the white sand beaches of Kauai (which will soon become reality when Adam and I make our trip there this November, by the way!). While there are moments that show SLS’s A+ sense of humor peeking through (“I paid all my bills but the collection’s still calling me up/They won’t give it up/They can’t tell that I’m a very specific sort of bum”), there are also moments of vulnerability (“I practice daily just to sound more like myself…I’m letting fear go”). It’s a song that just about anyone can relate to, which is what makes it so good.
Then there’s “1000 Butterflies” which starts off with some gorgeous guitar riffs. And then about halfway through the track, you get this interesting transition at 1:37 where the vocals drop down to a hushed whisper and you almost feel compelled to lean in and listen closer.
The last track on the EP is “Thank You,” which may initially sound like a sweet, simple, uncomplicated song. However, don’t be misled by the “keep-the-beers-flowing” vibes of the instrumentals on this track. If you listen closely to the lyrics, you’ll notice an underlying message that is slightly heavier than the sound of Connor’s sweet, sweet crooning. “Thank you to all the things I’ve lost, like my way” and “Thank you for the women that reject me” are little pockets of wisdom that the boys have gained over the years.
SLS’s approach reminds me of Jack Antanoff’s signature treatment. His pop band, Bleachers, pumps out bright, upbeat music juxtaposed against heavier, oftentimes more poignant, lyrics. What I take away most from SLS’s aptly-named song is their sense of gratitude for the occasional bump in the road. In other words, thank you for hardships because it helps me appreciate the sunsets. It’s a simple concept, yet powerful. SLS took a risk here by unsheathing a few more emotional layers, but it’s paid off. Getting personal humanizes them and elevates the overall production. Well done, boys.
“Colors” is now available on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, so be sure to give it a listen while you’re savoring the last days of summer.
SLS is on the move (literally) and currently touring North America. You can keep up with their adventures on social media where you will most likely see them sharing sneak peeks of their new songs, covering the Rolling Stones and Bob Marley, chugging beers, looking contemplative on the beach or hanging with their adorable pup, Luna, who is a queen and has also made the tour van her home for the next few months.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/slseduction
Instagram: www.instagram.com/slseduction
Luna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lunasls/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/slseduction
YouTube: www.youtube.com/slseduction