UV-TV:The Optimistic Wrench
New York-based UV-TV’s newest release, The Optimistic Wrench is out now on Papercup Music. This album moves away from their usual punk-influenced sound in favor of dreamy landscapes that would be a fitting soundtrack to a fall evening.
The Optimistic Wrench’s opening track, “Pale Blue Island,” starts with an alien-like sound that intensifies into a smooth drum intro. As the intro rolls to its conclusion, Vocalist/bassist Rose Vastola slides in with her smooth delivery of the lyrics, “Heard a witness say they saw the crash. An autograph, an honest laugh.” Despite the nostalgic sound and seductiveness, reminiscent of a 1960s spy film theme. “Pale Blue Island” has an impending sense of doom that can’t be ignored. Vastola desperately sings lyrics such as “I’ve watched our cities burn. With no semblance of the past. Countdown engines on. With both feet pressed on the gas,” to remind us how fleeting our time is on this island.
Halfway through the record, we are interrupted by the beautifully sparse song “Stunned and Graceless.” Over the delicate keyboard that sounds throughout this song, Vastola tells the story of loss from the outside looking in. We can feel the emotional rawness when she sings, “Your deep pain I can’t change. Although I tried. I tried.” Contributing to the gentle, somber atmosphere of the song is lead guitarist Ian Burn’s ambient guitar. Each time Burn’s comes in it brings a feeling of sad calm that a rainy day would provide.
Taking a quick turn from dream-pop to a surf-rock inspired sound is the title track, “The Optimistic Wrench.” Going from the serene vocals of the previous tracks, Vastola shows her vocal range by switching to a feistier style to fit perfectly with her fierce lyrical content, such as “Put in a bottle. I want to forget. You’re one tough cookie. Plateau of regret.” From Burn’s extremely catchy surf guitar, the explosive and technical drum work of Ian Rose, and the eerie keyboard of Noah Deemer, this song showcases the best of each member of UV-TV.
Overall, The Optimistic Wrench is a gorgeously written EP. Each song is enchanting and musically technical in a sneaky way. Lyrically, as you listen, you will find yourself contemplating the very fabric of our existence on this planet, our relationships with each other, and how we can be better.
