Bounce House - Starter Home
Straight out of St. Louis Missouri – meet Bounce House, a synth-pop quartet who just dropped their debut EP, Starter Home.
Bounce House
Made up of Cory Perkins, Cody Perkins, Johnathan Olson, and Justin Mill, Bounce House’s sound blends elements of synth-pop and pop-rock, along with two-part vocals and what the band calls “killer keyboards.”
Starter Home encompasses five-tracks, beginning with “Teenager Issues,” opening on a cool drum shuffle followed by a strident synth riding over a droning deeper tone. The dual vocals infuse the tune with infectious flavors, bright and captivating. I love the drums as they add flashing fills and the tight snap of the snare.
“Underwater” opens on burbling synths, giving the tune a definite submerged ambience. Oscillating, almost eerie tones from the synths give the tune a deliciously campy horror-movie savor, as eloquent drum fills provide surging rhythmic pulses. Cashmere vocal harmonies imbue the lyrics with a kind of glimmering tension.
“There’s something in the distance / There’s something that your eyes can’t see / There’s something in the distance / There’s something maybe I don’t want to see / Is it surreal – my seeing clear?”
I love when the glistening piano enters, injecting almost classical relish into the harmonics.
The intro to “On And On” reveals a penetrating high-pitched synth flowing into a dreamy, pop-flavored tune reminiscent of The B-52’s. Layers of iridescent colors give the harmonics a kaleidoscopic flow that’s creamy and simultaneously edgy. “Hardly Distorted” exudes jazz-flavored tones merging with R&B-lite and sensuous pop bouquets. Grand vocals, sultry and smooth, infuse the lyrics with smoldering sumptuous timbres. I love when the glistening piano enters, injecting almost classical relish into the harmonics.
“Good Company” travels on staggering surges of synth coloration. Spiraling hues juxtaposed against the scrumptious female vocals give the music buttery textures highlighted by actinic tones. Once again, the drummer struts impressive technique and finesse.
With Starter Home, Bounce House demonstrates innovative creativity, strikingly alluring melodies, and plush vocals. And yes, the keyboards are indeed “killer.”
