Review by Adam Jones - MUSIC FARMER 5
An Anthemic Sound of Summer
Picture this: the sun caressing the ocean, the gentle breeze rustling your hair, and the soothing yet invigorating notes of an indie rock anthem filling the air. This is the soundscape painted by Austin's own SOUTHBANK, led by the multi-talented Jeff Neely, with their latest single, "Can't Say Why."
This track isn’t just a song, but an experience. It's a wave of emotion, carrying listeners from the electrifying highs to the introspective lows of a relationship nearing its end. The contrast between the high-energy indie rock sound and the poignant lyrics creates an intriguing juxtaposition, reminiscent of a summer sunset – beautiful, yet tinged with the melancholy of the day’s end.
SOUTHBANK's "Can't Say Why" is a potent blend of indie rock and surf music, sprinkled with a dash of alt-country, creating a unique and refreshing sound. The surf guitars roar brilliantly alongside Neely's vocals, which are reminiscent of the Barenaked Ladies and Green Day, while retaining an undeniable Southern grit. Add in hints of The Strokes', and you have a song that’s as captivating as it is innovative.
The single shines not just because of Neely's songwriting prowess (honed over years while working alongside the Old 97's and leading design teams at IBM), but also due to the remarkable collaboration with Ken Bethea, who lends his lead guitar expertise to the track. Bethea’s performance adds a layer of depth to the song, infusing it with a familiar, yet fresh, indie rock aura.
