The Square Life

The story of this record’s birth would take too long to tell; suffice it to say that the three members of local indie rock band Return to Sender have survived a series of robberies and a plethora of potential record deals gone awry, emerging triumphantly with a contract with Five One Inc., and the monumental achievement of The Grand Exposure, their second full-length album.

RTS showcases their versatility and explores a wide sonic range in Exposure. It opens with “88,” a fast-paced, instrumental track somewhat reminiscent of Explosions in the Sky, and closes with “Hearts Go Thundering,” a more soothing, electronic piece, and runs the gamut from the quiet intensity of “Fingers” to a climactic catharsis in “X-Men.”

Chad Reynolds’ vocals rarely take center stage, playing a subtle but crucial role, ornamenting the songs with haunting, simple melodies that perfectly compliment his complex Greenwood-esque guitar riffs. When on occasion his voice is spotlit, its gritty fervor commands and holds our attention. The immensely talented Scott Miller’s innovative drum work is more than just impressive, presenting intricate transitions and atypical time signatures with seeming effortlessness. Kyler Fillerup’s bass provides cohesion and unity, alternating between captivating, melodic highlights and tastefully restrained solid support, always richly backing the band.

The coarse, edgy timbre of Exposure supports the lyrical content, as well as its driven, energy-charged near-reckless pace. Its unique sound is quite an accomplishment, given that Exposure was entirely self-recorded. The layered effects, particularly those on the vocals and bass, represent a commitment to the fuller, more electronic sound of the new, and in my opinion better, Return to Sender music. Hear them live and decide for yourself at their CD release party on April 4 at Velour.