Jangle pop returns to Chicago in this local band's sophomore album. Harnessing a guitar pop style - the quartet released At Your Leisure July 27, 2018 via Topshelf Records.
Clearance's At Your Leisure
Clearance's 2015 debut, Rapid Rewards, and additional singles turned heads all over. Working restlessly through long practices, grueling tours, and overcoming any obstacles they faced - the friendship between members Mike Bellis (vox, guitar), Kevin Fairbairn (guitar), Greg Obis (bass), and Arthur Velez (drummer) grew stronger than ever.
Maturing as the years passed by, the Chicago rock band harnessed personal experiences for future inspiration. Seeking out ways to express their developed sound, the demos eventually transformed into tracks found on At Your Leisure, released July 27, 2018 via Topshelf Records.
Mastered by Mikey Young and recorded with Dave Vettraino at Chicago's Jamdek Studios (Public House Recordings), the album kicks off with "Chances Are" - impressing fans and catching them off-guard with an uplifting sense of maturity. Captivating listeners to hear the rest of At Your Leisure, the second track "Destination Wedding" highlights Bellis' charming vocals. With a catchy chorus and nostalgia surrounding the song, it's perfect for a playlist.
Switching gears and taking a psychedelic pop route, "Frozen Orange / No Wonder" shows more personality from the band. Based off first impression, I wasn't initially fond of the song. With a few more streams, the track definitely grew on me with its distraught flares yet still doesn't catch my attention. Pop shines through in "Had A Fantastic", with sticky lyrics and guitar riffs shining, the track's decent overall and the buildup is the best part.
Piercing listeners with an instant 60's vibe, "Rumored Sequel" shows Clearance's jangle pop style and consistent song structures. Halfway through the album, "Haven't You Got the Time?" is reminiscent of "Had a Fantastic" with high praise of the additional ooo's. The standout track on the album is "Another Arrow", which feels riskier than what's been presented so far. The noisey track picks the energy back up, with transitions and groove emphasizing the technicality Clearance brings to the table.
Followed by "Days Underwater", the song holds true to its title being more droney and slowed down. Recognized for drawing inspiration from '60s pop, '80s indie rock, and '90s slacker rock - '"Gallery Glare" is the epitome of what you'd expect from the local band. Final tracks "On the Doorstep" and "Bird's Eye View (Of the Back of the Room)" round out the album tying in upbeat, vintage, and dreamy nuances.
Having had listened to At Your Leisure various times, I struggled putting my thoughts together about the album. While appearing to be for passive listening, Clearance provides the polar opposite by exuding vibrancy in their live performances. Previously opening for upcoming act Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever at Chicago's Schubas, I highly recommend catching them in a city near you.
Clearance's touring this summer and headlining Subterranean October 24 with Hypoluxo and Pool Holograph. Buy tickets here and stay tuned with the indie rock band below!
