Review: Ban Summers – Self Titled LP
As I type my Mr Teeth review, Ban Summers is set to release his low-fi indie out of the bedroom and into the Edge of the Wedge this weekend.
Prior to recording under the name Ban Summers, the solo act of Edward Perry had previously performed as the Boy I Used to Be.
Having been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, the Boy I Used to Be took a break from performing live, yet the chronic condition hasn’t stopped the creativity. It has, however, played its role in Ban Summers songwriting, with the self-titled release touching on the struggles he faces as a result.
The immediate impact of Ban Summers is somewhat bleaker than having seen him live several years ago under his previous outfit. Again, due to circumstance and the impact of recording alone with your own thoughts as company, possibly resulting in songs of a more personal nature.
Ban Summers – Self-Titled LP
Released 29th September on Brutalist Records
The end result, 12 individual lo-fi indie tunes with homemade backing tracks, starting with a self-titled track. Although by the end of the album, you almost forget Ban Summers was recorded in the comfort of his own flat.
Essentially, the naturally lo-fi ambience of the surroundings give the release its character. Tracks such as “I Wanna” are fairly minimal shoegaze with droned guitars and depressing vocals. Meanwhile “Sometimes” regresses back to childhood memories. Towards the end of the album Ban Summers is sounding in a much happier place, albeit tired, with the more upbeat “Sleepin”.
The small batch of physical cassettes, thanks to Portsmouth’s Brutalist Records, are likely to sell out on Sunday, so make sure you get in early doors. Alternatively, keep an eye on Ban Summers official page for the digital download.
Live at the Edge of the Wedge, Portsmouth
Release Party takes place at the Edge of the Wedge, Sunday 29th September. Support comes from Frankie Knight, Hallan and Highlights of Our Modern World.
