It’s October in the Midwest. The weather already taunts us with hints of that biting winter cold, hidden mischievously under still-sunny skies. I’ve already had to unpack my hoodies and flannel (don’t judge, it’s warm), and frankly I don’t like it. As my flip flops are traded in for Converse, I need to hang on to some semblance of summer before it’s covered with snow.
Then, just as I reach for a blanket, I hit play on “Reasons” from Chicago-based band Pineapple Cavaliers. The muted guitar intro on immediately bring to mind Weezer’s Blue album. Cue the high-hat cymbal. Already I’m picturing a warm day at the beach. Then, just when you expect the frontman to step up to the mic, a smoky-smooth female voice streams through the speakers instead. It’s warm and refreshing, but soon the Cavaliers throw in another curve. A heavy electric guitar comes trucking into the melody, upsetting the calm, and the girl’s soothing tones are replaced by a stocky tenor voice.
The rest of the song switches from mellow to gritty as male and female voices trade lines with dueling guitars. Though initially surprising, the heavier side adds life to the song, giving a good bit of yin to the chilled-out yang. At only two and a half minutes, the battle ends too soon, and I’m immediately downloading the Cavaliers’ next track to see what else they’ve done.
After three times each through “Reasons”, “Alive”, “Dissolving”, and “Not Alone”, I’ve deduced that this band has unique qualities that really define them. Front-woman Breanne Kanak’s distinctive timbre separates her from other female vocalists. Not as punchy as Paramore, or as airy as Flyleaf, but solid — she can hold down the melody where many girls would get carried away with it. Male lead John Maher complements her voice well with a dark tenor that also keeps up with the heavier guitars riffs.
The Pineapple Cavaliers are Kanak, Maher and Chris Dunn on guitar and vocals, Jon Glabus on bass and vocals, and Brian Lamberty on drums. If you happen to be in the Chicago area, the quintet will be at the U.S. Beer Company on Saturday Oct. 30, and the Iowa Community Center in Villa, IL on Saturday, Nov. 6.
Pineapple Cavaliers | “Reasons”
For more tracks, visit their ReverbNation profile.
Audio Junkie 