REVIEW: Six Foot Blonde Soars on ‘Hummingbird’
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY MEGAN EPPOLITO ☆
THE CHICAGO-BASED INDIE ROCK BAND, SIX FOOT BLONDE—released their sophomore album Hummingbird on Friday, October 2. The 10-track album is filled with infectious melodies that leave listeners humming long after the last song ends. The six-piece ensemble is made up of Julia Rusyniak (lead vocals), Zach Patrick (guitar), Elliot Obermaier (guitar), John Alex Rusyniak (keys and sax), Dom Heyob (bass and vocals) and Brian Healey (drums). The album explores the memories the band made over the last couple of years, turning their journey into something they can carry with them forever. The collaboration and enduring friendship are evident throughout the instrumentation and vocals. The band's goal to get a crowd moving is accomplished with Hummingbird.
That exact feeling of getting up, dancing, or blasting feel-good music in the car is what opens up the album with “These Kinds of Things.” The track begins with ‘90s-rock guitar riffs and punchy drums. It’s the ideal song to catch the listener’s interest. The backing vocals in the chorus give it a harmonic boost.
“Berlin” follows, continuing with Rusyniak’s strong vocals and upbeat tempo. The harmonies blend effortlessly, presenting the cohesive chemistry between the members. This is the perfect song to blast while on a long drive. The atmosphere Six Foot Blonde sets out to create is evident in their music, and “Berlin” is a standout example of that.
The third track, “Up A Notch,” slows things down with funky, rhythmic keys and velvety bass. Obermaier’s guitar solo towards the end of the track shows the individuality within the project. This is a track that a listener can get lost in.
“Carmilla” picks things back up with an energetic tempo. Rusyniak’s bold vocals give the song an electric energy. It’s fun and supports the band’s goal to get the crowd moving during live shows. “Carmilla” was released as a single prior to the album, heightening the anticipation for Hummingbird.
The energy slows back down at the beginning of the fifth track, “Painted Ladies,” with a marching rhythm of the drums. Classic rock influences are prevalent in the track with the soaring guitars. The lyrics “Take the sheets and make a cape with it / We’ll fly away, we’ll fly away / we’ll fly away with it” give an imaginative essence to the storytelling.
“Hummingbird,” the title track, has a playful tempo, introducing saxophone, which gives a fresh and fun texture. The creativity and talent of the band shine. This track represents the message of the album — letting your wings fly and setting out to achieve your dreams. A positive energy radiates from the instrumentation and vocals.
The motorized groove of the guitars opens up the seventh track, “Honey.” The saxophone and the bass add dimension. The drums build up the energy, and the belting vocals give it a cinematic, nostalgic feel.
The vibrant energy descends in “Everyone I See.” Light vocals, simple instrumentation, acoustic guitar, and beat create a sparkly, campfire atmosphere. “I’m in love with everyone / Desperately / I’m in love with everyone / You’re in everyone I see” expresses the song in a creative, heartfelt way.
A disciplined single-note piano opens “Twin Bed.” The background vocals shout “I don’t know where I am” while Rusyniak belts beautifully and boldly. Towards the end of the song, the rapid, light piano builds the pace of guitars and drums for the final chorus.
“Drinkers Dozen” opens with crunchy, electric guitar riffs giving it a strong rock introduction. The chorus sticks with the listener: “Oh the world keeps spinning / Oh the world keeps spinning / Oh the world keeps spinning / I’m just dizzy / Standing there,” depicting the dizzy feeling after a night of drinking. The melody of the chorus continues to spin in the listener’s mind. The lyrics “My face is cold / from a toilet bowl” provide vivid imagery that follows Saturday night events. “I’m in so deep I could marry the bottom” is just another example of the creative and intelligent lyricism the band is known for.
Six Foot Blonde is riding the momentum following the album’s release. They are on tour showcasing the new songs live, bringing the electric energy to venues across America. Having the opportunity to experience Hummingbird live and be in the presence of amazing talent is worth taking.
