The summer 2020 release from Middle Tennessee’s Safari Room, the 11-track Look Me Up When You Get There, makes a gentle, dreamy and easygoing rock listen. Hazy blurs of sound swirl pleasantly on the subdued songs, though a steady drumbeat keeps things moving along at a walking pace throughout much of the release, while effects-soaked guitars create a cloudy atmosphere as they drift forward.
The sounds fit into the dream-pop niche, perhaps, or impressionist rock, even. The group creates a dreamy wash of sounds, with slow and simple melodies, but rarely applies the paint too thick.
The cover artwork by Abby McGuire featuring swirling clouds and just a measured amount of vibrancy fits the vibe well.
“131” remains peaceful and misty while still displaying a fairly active rock drumbeat. As it swings and sways on the chorus, vocalist Alec Koukol sings Hold my breath. The song crescendos into a cool buildup just for a moment, before evaporating away.
“Plans” provides more chill, winding-down music. I don’t see anything wrong with trying to fly, the song slowly proclaims as a creative, bubbly drumbeat unfurls and the atmospheric sustain of guitars chinks along.
Safari Room. Photo by Grant Ivie
Safari Room, like many, many other modern groups, has most likely received a little influence from Radiohead.
The slow, three-note theme the guitar introduces on “Right / Fair” as high-register voices sing above it seems quite reminiscent of something Radiohead would do.
If the listener enjoys the style of Death Cab for Cutie, Belle & Sebastian, The Pixies, Fleet Foxes and Beach House—easygoing and chill sounds with just a touch of grunge rock—check out Safari Room.
Passages of “Glass Box” get a little frantic, energetic and slammin’, but nothing too overwhelming. Look Me Up When You Get There remains, for the most part, easy-breezy, but over a peppy drum part.
Safari Room, rounded out by Chris Collier on guitar and Austin Drewry on drums, has created a dreamy soundscape to play while “lying on the floor,” quite pleasant and relaxed, if not mindblowingly groundbreaking.
Other album highlights include a cool climax in “Around the Bend,” the “oohs” in “Glass Box” as a guitar slides up and down in pitch, and some unique vocal play in “One Day Here.”
Find Safari Room on Spotify, Soundcloud, Bandcamp and other online streaming platforms and at safariroomband.com.
