Collective Fear
Los Angeles, CA, United States
ARTIST BACKGROUND
'Foster' is Collective Fear's latest EP release that is available as a physical press on cassette tape and on digital platforms under the promotion of their new label Candlepin Records. The project evokes the sounds of 80s shoegaze and 90s alt-rock, reminiscent of bands such as The Smashing Pumpkins, The Cocteau Twins, Interpol, and many others. So, let's get into the review before heading over to an exclusive TJPL NEWS interview.
FOSTER
REVIEW
Collective Fear open their latest EP entitled 'Foster' with a track named 'White Gloves'. 'White Gloves' opens with a high energy drum progression and bass guitar riff before introducing dreamy guitar strums and melodic riffs. The lyrics are angelic and full of feeling. One thing I would say is that the vocals would benefit from being louder in the mix as they feel quite lost behind the instruments in the mix. Having said this, the track is brilliantly packed with skilful instrumentation and passion to create a song of dreamy nature. If the band were to lift the vocals slightly this track would be absolute top quality. Track 2 named 'Part of the Plan' offers something just as dreamy through the execution of the instruments but again, the vocals need to be louder. I really love the feel of this band and think that these small mixing tricks would take their artistry up by several levels and really make waves in the music industry. I love the dream rock/pop feel that is present in the first two tracks. Track 3 'Victimless Crime' opens with gorgeous feel. Reverbed emotional guitar riffs are completely down my lane and I loved the progression found in this piece. As the introduction takes a slow burning turn when compared to the previous tracks we hear the growth of the mix through the arrangement of the instruments. This works really well and I love the way that heavy rock seeps its way into the feel of the track without compromising the dreamy nature of the vocals. The interesting inclusion of a twee sounding guitar melody brings something another new element to this bands' artistry. This is the best track on this project so far! I can imagine that the energy of this track is incredible in live settings. 'Novacaine' is the penultimate track on the five track project. Opening with moving guitar strums that play off one another was a beautiful addition to the piece. I love the basic opening of just two guitars and the vocals. Midway through the track the arrangement hits with full force through the inclusion of drums and a major lift in volume. This works wonders on the ears of the listener. Ending this project is 'Thanksgiving Day'. Begining with acoustic guitar we're given something personal and raw. The vocals are perfect in this track! The levels are absolutely on point and we can hear the words clearly for all of their emotion. This is my favorite piece on the project and has made my personal Tamara Jenna's Top Picks Spotify Playlist. I was super excited to hear more from this band and so of course, I had to get them in for a TJPL NEWS interview! But first, click the link below to hear the track and then come back to hear the inspiration behind it!
INTERVIEW
Q: What would be your ultimate achievement for your latest single? Is there a particular vision that you had when putting the song together?
A: My ultimate achievement for our latest single (and our EP) would be for it to get in front of more musicians. Whether that's through streaming services or any other methods. We are influenced by a lot of other alternative bands and getting feedback from some of those other bands we love would be amazing.
Q: If you could define music in one short sentence (no cheating) what would you say?
A: Any combination of sounds that evokes emotions or brings people together through shared experiences.
Q: When did you first realize that you had the potential to be an artist? Is there a memory that has stuck in your mind as the turning point for you?
A: I've had an interest in music from an extremely young age, and was brought up playing a few different instruments. I think a memory that sticks out as the turning point where I realized I may have artistic potential was buying my first electric guitar in high school. I immediately began to write my own songs after learning the basics of the fretboard, and it all felt very natural to me.
Q: How would you define your sound?
A: If I had to put a label on it, I would consider my sound to be alternative rock. But Collective Fear draws influence from a variety of bands and genres - post-punk, shoegaze, jangle-pop, dream pop, folk, and many others. I think bands like Nothing, Slowdive, Interpol, Jesus and Mary Chain, The Cure, and many others have had a huge impact on our music.
Q: Cubase, Protools, or neither?
A: Neither - I do all of our recording, mixing, and mastering in Logic Pro. I do have some experience in Protools through some college courses I took but haven't used it in years.
Q: This might be a tricky one but Studio vs Live - Which do you prefer and why?
A: Good question - personally I think the studio for me. It really gives you the opportunity to build and layer sounds and experiment with a lot of different tactics. You can use much more robust pedal chains for guitar, different mic setups, and vocal layering that just wouldn't be possible in a live setting.
Q: How do you collaborate with vocalists and other artists?
A: I've mainly been collaborating with other artists through Instagram. Working with Candlepin Records introduced me to a variety of other labelmates and artists of similar genres, and it's really easy to reach out and collaborate through social media.
Q: If you had the opportunity to work with one of your favorite musical artists, who would you most like to collaborate with and why?
A: I think collaborating with Paul Banks from Interpol would be a dream of mine. His music has been so influential to me as I was growing up, and he has a really unique vocal delivery.
Q: What are your future plans? What can we look forward to for the rest of 2022?
A: The remainder of 2022 will be dedicated to growing our following and getting our EP out there for others to hear. If we can solidify a lineup we would love to start gigging in the LA-area as well. Of course, we'll always be working on writing new material as well, I'm hopeful that Collective Fear could release a full-length in 2023 if all goes to plan.
Q: Where can we find the track? Links to socials and distribution handles
A: You can find the track on Spotify, Bandcamp, Tidal, Deezer, and any of the other major streaming platforms. There are also physical copies of the EP available on cassette tape through Candlepin Records' Bandcamp site. Links are included below:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5wsxcnz3i5JYQxWbZfyu2Q?
Collective Fear Bandcamp: Music | Collective Fear (bandcamp.com)
Candlepin Records Bandcamp: Foster | Collective Fear | Candlepin Records (bandcamp.com)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collective_fear/