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Jeremy Udden’s Plainville Stirs Things Up
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Jeremy Udden’s musical group Plainville can’t be accused of being one-dimensional. The group’s unique sound draws influences from every direction, fusing elements of jazz, indie rock, and country into a cohesive whole. Their newly released album If The Past Seems So Bright presents this uncommon package as something simultaneously challenging and approachable. If The Past Seems So Bright holds a moving musical dialogue between musical approaches that otherwise rarely share a venue, let alone an album.
“I listened to a lot of rock growing up.” says titular frontman Jeremy Udden, reflecting on his stylistic origins. “I continue to do so. So a lot of my music is about reconciling that… Throwing Lester Young and the Pixies into the same house and seeing if they can live together.” A moment with the album reveals Udden’s style-bending experiment as a success. Semi-final track “Leland” wears the group’s rock influence on its sleeve, featuring slick rock guitar with Plainville’s unique touch.
Plainville’s membership is as varied as its influences. Banjo and guitar player Brandon Seabrook benefits from both multi-instrumental chops and a friendship with Udden going back to high school. Pete Rend lends his talents on both keyboard and slide guitar, and shows great musical dexterity alongside bassist Eivind Opsvik and drummer RJ Miller. Each member of The range of talent on display is clear on “New Dress”, where every member of the group throws in to create an energetic eight-minute folk journey.
Plainville carries the name of Jeremy Udden’s New England hometown. The eclectic group is based in Brooklyn, but he carries his affection for home with him into his current career, and views his music as a tribute to the sleepy rural town. The country mood of tracks like “Hammer” evoke mental images of the still countryside, whilst retaining the instrumental skill and complexity of jazz. No matter what direction the music goes in, Udden seems determined to bring Massachusetts with him.
If The Past Seems So Bright brings an original voice to the music scene. It’s a promising debut for Jeremy Udden’s Plainville, an entertaining fusion that deliver’s on the usually empty promise of providing something different.
Available here.