The Postelles' Retro Vibe Evolves for Sophomore Album

New York band The Postelles are known for their summery tunes that uplift the spirits even when their lyrics are more serious. For their recently released sophomore album …And It Shook Me, the indie rockers channeled the Strokes rather than channeling the Beatles as they did in their last album. Still, their songs remain catchy and easy to listen to, as their soft retro rock transports listeners to happier times when rock and roll ruled the airwaves.

            The four-piece band met while its members were still attending Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in Manhattan, NY. Made up of Daniel Balk (vocals and guitar), David Dargahi (lead guitar), John Speyer (bass), and Billy Cadden (drums), the Postelles began playing small shows in 2007 and soon caught the attention of the Strokes’ guitarist Albert Hammond, Jr. The laidback retro vibe of the Postelles became popular in summer music festivals like Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza in 2009, as they began to make a name for themselves. In the spring of 2011, the Postelles headlined a U.S. tour with Free Energy, combining two bands that expel a youthful liveliness with a touch of nostalgia at their shows.

Hammond would then come to produce the band’s self-titled debut album in 2011, which proved to be a hit among college radio stations. The Postelles established the band’s sound as one reminiscent of Buddy Holly songs with Beatlesque harmonies. For the new album, it seems that the band has been influenced by their producer and fellow musician Albert Hammond, Jr., as …And It Shook Me definitely presents a resemblance to Hammond’s band the Strokes, while still paying homage to the rock and roll era. It seems that the Postelles have decided to modernize their sound a bit by experimenting with guest vocals and instruments in their sophomore album. However, listeners can still hear their rock and roll background in their classic riffs and feel good songs.

Most of the Postelles’ self-titled album consisted of catchy 60’s style rock, to the extent that when they played it live at shows, their fans were mentally taken to a happier era and took to dancing in couples as if they were at the school dance scene in Grease. When the Postelles tour their new album, I wouldn’t necessarily predict couples dancing but I can imagine satisfied fans bobbing along to the beat of each of their new songs, which are still danceable enough.

One of the most danceable songs of the new album is the single Caught by Surprise, a very bass-heavy track that contains a synthesized melody, 60’s guitar riffs, and fun rhythmic clapping. This song seems to be stepping away from the 60’s and into the 80’s a little bit, but doesn’t deviate enough from the Postelles’ usual sound for it to be confused with any other band. Another extremely catchy song off …And It Shook Me is Pretend It’s Love, which could have easily been a single as well. The prominent bass and the inclusion of refreshing guest vocals from indie singer Alex Winston are proof that the Postelles are beginning to experiment with their sound and they’ve never sounded this good. While guitarist David and bassist John usually provide backup vocals for Daniel Balk, the Postelles went for a more gospel sound for Running Red Lights, where Daniel is backed up by a group of female vocalists over the band’s usual bluesy riffs. Their song You Got Me Beat is also the most likely to end up on mainstream radio for its upbeat 80’s feel, and it almost sounds like the Postelles have taken cues from former tourmates Free Energy. With their new album, the Postelles prove to listeners that they have mastered the art of nostalgic vibes within modern music.

The band has definitely evolved since their self titled album in 2011, seemingly experimenting with the sounds of more than one decade for …And It Shook Me. However, the Postelles have not lost their signature 60's rock sound, and Daniel Balk’s vocals remain reminiscent of those of James Mercer of the Shins. The Postelles are still producing catchy feel good jams without being overly happy or poppy, this time preparing us for the upcoming summer. A nice follow-up to their first album, …And It Shook Me deviates from the band’s roots just enough to keep listeners entertained.