Girl at the Rock Shows

I have a killer show coming up tonight. No spoilers—you’ll have to come back tomorrow to find out what show it was, but, long story short, I’m amped. I’m ready to go, but doors aren’t open for another two hours, and the show isn’t for another three. This means I have some time and way too much energy. I need to kill this time while keeping myself from going crazy, so now is as good a time as any to check out some more new music. 

Unproductive is a post-punk group from Saskatchewan, Canada, that just released their debut EP. The self-titled release kicks off with “Victoria.” This song instantly had me hooked. It starts with a sense of power. You can feel that power in just the few first cymbal hits that lead off the track, but that power continues to grow as the vocals and the rest of the band come in. Vocally, the style is a bit strange. I mean that in a good way, but I wasn’t expecting to have a name like The Strokes floating through my head as I listened to this opening track. Although I think there is a very Strokes quality about the vocals, this song does not sound like The Strokes– more like The Strokes’ angsty little brother who has something to fight for. It’s that fire that makes this nearly three-minute song feel like it’s over in just the blink of an eye, but have no fear; there are still three other killer songs on this release.

“MLBCBA” is the second track on this EP and the leading single that the band released prior to this EP. I honestly had taken a sneak peek of this track when the band reached out to me about reviewing this EP just to make sure it would be up my alley, and it definitely was. This song showcases the sheer versatility of this band. Again, this song has a slight retro-rock edge, but on this track, you also get an infectious beat, high energy, and vocals that gave me chills. Something about listening to this song put me in the middle of a sold-out audience, jumping up and down while being surrounded by strangers and sweating bullets. I wish I could post a picture of what was happening in my head as this song played here, but I can’t. All I can do is hope that pick you also pick up on the endless amount of energy that comes through here.

Although it is clearly a song from Unproductive, “Hope You Don’t” brings a slight sense of darkness, desperation, and sadness to this album. I love how the vocals turn into something slightly more tender and the instrumentation into something a bit more ambient. Don’t get me wrong, this song is still absolutely full of life and energy and definitely has moments of pure angst that Unproductive does so well, but overall, I really liked how this song seemed to showcase a whole other side of this band, and this is a side that I hope I hear more of in future releases from them.

Closing out this super quick EP on a high note is “Maker.” This song is anthemic from the get-go but also stays in the unique post-punk meets retro-rock vein that Unproductive has created for themselves. This song seems to split the difference between the high-octane rock vibe of the opening two tracks and the more tender side shown in “Hope You Don’t.” The dynamics throughout this track are stunning. Although the highs and lows are a bit predictable with where they lay in this track, the stark contrast between moments of peace and moments of slight chaos throughout this song was amazing. It’s a hell of a way to end a hell of an album, leaving you wanting a hell of a lot more.

As I look to the future, I can’t help but hope for two things from Unproductive. First, I hope they continue to bless us with their music because, honestly, this four-song EP is just a taste of what they’re capable of. Second, I hope they embark on a tour that brings them near the Twin Cities. The sheer power they’ve infused into these songs is mind-blowing, and I would give anything to experience it live.

Unproductive on Instagram

Unproductive on Facebook

Unproductive on BandCamp

Shameless Self Promotion:

Join My Patreon Here!

Buy Me a Coffee (Seriously!)

Check out my playlist HERE!