Review: Division Day - Beartrap Island (or) spit up shoestrings and insects

Posted on 26 February 2006 | 1 Comment

Filed Under: Album Reviews, Indie Rock

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A few weeks ago I got some music from California’s Division Day in my mailbox, and I’ve been digesting the music since then trying to figure out exactly what I’m going to say.

The band plays great breezy piano-based pop. Is that enough info? No? Ok.

So I first popped their EP The Mean Way In into my car’s CD player and began tapping along to the opening track. The sound is polished and almost familiar. It is easy on the ears. Well played and interesting and incorporates a lot of different “feels” while still sounding like part of a singular whole (at times reminding me of the band Dada). Anyone remember “Dizz Knee Land?” I really liked the EP (which was recorded at John Vanderslice’s Tiny Telephone) so I was pretty excited to hear their new full-length Beartrap Island that was beautifully packaged in a brown paper bag.

Their new material is a little rawer and contains a little more guitar than the EP. The music is more driving without being aggressive (perhaps a little like Doves). I hear the influence of California pop like the Beach Boys as well as hints of sonic experimentation that might point towards Yo La Tengo and other shoegazer acts. Dreamy and perfect for driving along the coastline on a sunny Sunday afternoon, or anytime at all.

Do yourself a favor and listen to the songs below and then check out some of Division Day’s merch here.

MP3 | Division Day – Bad Black Moon The Mean Way In
MP3 | Division Day – Colorguard Beartrap Island