Sign 'Em - Fake Baseball (Single Review)
The landscape for creating music has never been more diverse and more primed for cross-pollination, cross-cultural collaborations, and other words that begin with “C” that delineate enthusiastic creative energy (confluence?). In Kalamazoo, there is a constant recognition and a wealth of collaborating talent in the music community, where trained musicians at Western Michigan University regularly interact with a beautiful tapestry of diverse, indie artists. Think of Kalamazoo groups like Last Gasp Collective alongside the more recently formed Fake Baseball: both projects are blossoming branches from deeply rooted commitments to each other and the music they create. All signs point to this eclectic potluck of creatives on Fake Baseball’s latest single, “Sign ‘Em,” as these art rockers weave together different influences for a whimsical romp through this summer festival dance bop that also delves into the predatory businesses that co-opt religion (like you’re “song of the summer” playlist already includes, I’m sure).
This tune delights in building anticipation, wringing out every bit of the vibe until listeners are on their feet. The phrase “Midwest Carnatic” came to mind describing this song, because the overall instrumentation and style centers on West Michigan talent, but like Carnatic music there is an almost melismatic expression over a constant “drone” most of the song. Tension is built throughout with a constant emphasize of the tonic note, or root note of the key they are playing the song in, while constantly adding ways to layer harmonies or melodies overtop while always return to the root. The “drone” would come from the bass and guitar emphasis on “G” and the constant tempo flow, with keys and other guitar layers to add consonance and dissonance without the song ever feeling like it changes key or mood. Jazz harmonies help facilitate moments of calm, whimsy, and even existential dread, deepening the tune that much further into the group’s influences. The “angsty spank” (spangsty?) sounds from the guitar, the groove switches, and texture changes help keep this song feeling fresh, especially with some wonderful shared phrases (soli sections) and a stellar synth solo added into the mix. Then, right at the end of the tune, you feel the shift to the “V” chord, with the root following, to really add another layer of musical humor to a song full of enthusiasm that paints with vivid colors.
If you’re not a fan of bold artistic ventures, Fake Baseball might be the wrong choice for you. If you’re someone who serves up whatever Top 40 mandates, you’ll probably feel scared listening to dissonance of any kind. However, for the many listeners of this passionate crew of creatives, they have found a home in this musical carnival ride. For all of its whimsy, “Sign ‘Em” orchestrates some great moments of improvisation, passionate performance, and an infectious collection of disparate earworms all wriggling their way into your brain soil. Hear this song live at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe on June 15th, with performances by my group, Earth Radio, and After Ours.
Song Credits:
Maggie Heeren - lead vocals and guitar
Adam Danis - lead guitar
Grayson Nye - keyboard and synth
Matt Milowe - bass guitar
Ethan Bouwsma - drums
Written and arranged by Fake Baseball
Recorded by Ben Zito at Centennial Sound
Mixed by Maggie Heeren at La Luna Recording & Sound
Mastered by Sam Peters at SP Mixing and Mastering
Produced by Fake Baseball
additional giggles and party sounds by:
Lindsey King, Josh Miller, Peter Melichar, John Stiger, and Josh King
Support Fake Baseball!
Website: http://www.fakebaseball.band/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fakebaseball/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fakebaseball/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fakebaseball
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4LUBviQXLrcpwiu4iZSktW?si=hdtuVncbQXO5IPGESJ9IVw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/fake-baseball/1611090096
Bandcamp: https://fakebaseball.bandcamp.com
Click the artwork to listen to “Sign ‘Em!”