Blue Sky Mile
“Self-Titled”
(OHEV Records)
Aw, Seattle. I was there the other month and it’s no wonder that so many good bands spring up from the dank ground there. I mean, what the hell else is there to do when it rains every damn day? You sit around with your buddies for long enough and you’re like, “hey, wanna start a band?” and even though they don’t really want to, it’s not like they’re out frolicking in the sun or anything, so they say “sure” and next thing you know you’re in Blue Sky Mile and you sound like a mix between Texas is the Reason and Hot Rod Circuit, with lots of high end harmonies and a decidedly driving, pulsating guitar section. “Ten Minutes” is probably the highlight of the seven tracks, with its incredible guitar work during the outro.
“Ten Minutes” also displays some of the deeper elements at work within BSM, as not everything is poppy indie-punk served with a smile. “Last chance for a life,” sings Jerry Kansky, “Caught an open hand/ Tried to stand up and fight/ Tried to be a man.” A subtle current of despair and fear cuts its way through the EP, casting a faint shadow on the minor chords and melodies. And you like it. You like the way your band sounds. You like the rain and you like the way the wood in the garage smells. Who needs the sun and its distractions anyway? You’ve got a Blue Sky Mile in the garage and it sounds better than any sugary sweet pop.
