Story by María Núñez
No strangers to huge sounds and eclectic shows, Austin natives Quiet Company deliver the perfect blend of angst-ridden vocals, pounding drums and distorted guitar work on their fourth album “Transgressor.”
The album wraps heartbreaking revelations and rants in upbeat, sing-songy tunes. For example, in the exceptionally fun-sounding “Understand The Problem,” Muse sings regretfully, “I wish I was someone else, I wish that you loved someone else.”
Other songs, however, are about the positive outcomes of love and longing — songs you wouldn’t be afraid to sing to your loved one, like the tender acoustic track “Kindness.” The band is not afraid to hide their struggles and disagreements with religion either. “The Road to Perdition” tells the story of a budding romance, referring to a loved one as “alpha and omega and my in-between.” On the other hand, the song mentions the easiness of abandoning religious convictions at the drop of a hat.
Quiet Company performs at the Hill Country Galleria for a Fourth of July concert. Photo by Tess Cagle
From the first listen, it’s hard to sit still or avoid nodding along to “Transgressor.” Quiet Company makes angst family-friendly, and it’s no surprise to see parents and their toddlers alike at the band’s all-ages shows, dancing and jumping to songs about loss of religion or hope.
In an industry heavily dominated by pop and indie-alternative, Quiet Company stands out without fully alienating themselves. On their slow songs, they’re singer-songwriters. Other times, they’re punk rockers. Their alt-rock stylings appeal to angsty teens sitting alone in their dark bedrooms, yet I could still hear my dad blasting them in the car on our way to a family dinner. Their style is a melting pot rather than a carbon copy of every other rock band.
Tommy Blank of Quiet Company plays piano on stage at the Hill Country Galleria. Photo by Tess Cagle
Quiet Company doesn’t hold back onstage, either. If they feel like shredding, they shred. If they feel like shouting, they shout, and they get the audience shouting with them. The band has a reputation for never playing a dull show, and with sounds like the crazy trumpet/drum instrumental interlude on “I Heard the Devil Say My Name,” it’s easy to understand why.
In the past, Quiet Company has was awarded both Austin’s Rock Band of the Year and Album of the Year, was featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and was selected as a Red Bull Sound Select Artist. While “Transgressor” doesn’t stray far from the band’s previous work, it features a variety of influences and emotions, from the intense “Seven Hells” to the ballad “Wherever You Take Me.” If there’s a reason why Quiet Company is recognized nationwide, this is it.
Quiet Company’s album “Transgressor” will release to the public through Modern Outsider Records on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
For more info you can check out the band’s site here.
