Thought Beneath Film lay solid foundation with debut EP “Detours”

By: Colin Rabyniuk –

Thought Beneath Film’s debut EP, Detours, is an encouraging first effort. The Hamilton band has put together five polished and high-level pop songs – a striking achievement for such a young group.

The EP opens with “If I Could Fix You (You Know that I Would),” an apt choice. With it, the band sets to work to craft a fun pop song perfect for starry-eyed, high school crushes.This seems to be the crux of the music. And it’s impressive how consistent the band is with this tone.

Surely producers Tom Lord-Alge and Bob Ludwig have helped with this. Drawing on their experience with bands like Weezer, Coldplay, and Foo Fighters, the two here have refined the band’s focus and attitude.

Evidently though, Thought Beneath Film is still searching for a certain sound. The song “Hearts on Overdrive” opens with a synth lead almost lifted from an Austra record. It’s funky and out of place. Thought Beneath Film’s roots are in rock. This is firmly brought to the listener’s attention on the guitar solo later in the track.

Frontman Brent Wirth sounds like someone you’ve heard on the radio before. He sounds professional, but also indistinct. At times his voice is laid back and at ease, but taut and cheeky when needed. It keeps the music interesting.

Extended Oohs and Ahhs are smattered throughout the EP. These ultimately detract from the final product. They’re a crutch the band turns to far too often.

These songs aren’t great, to be sure – but that comes with time. Some of the bigger issues with the band – the chorus on “Sixty-Six,” the transitions on “False Skin” – are all things which get ironed out as the band matures.

It’s hard not to imagine Thought Beneath Film playing at the MMVA’s next summer. Although, the music has enough substance to go much further than that.

There’s not much here you won’t get somewhere else – as it is with most debuts, but the foundation is solid. Thought Beneath Film is a band you should watch for.