The Reed brothers are breathing dark new life into Athens’ storied rock and roll scene. Earlier this month, the trio collectively known as the Pierres dropped their latest single “Guarded,” the frenzied tale of a girl growing up to escape her sheltered youth. The track appears as a teaser for the band’s upcoming album, The Tub, which is scheduled to release sometime this fall.
I was first captured by group’s sound when I heard “Tailspin” at the end of 2017. The Pierres create this distinctly spooky strain of rock and post-punk. In the rising action verses of both “Tailspin” and “Guarded,” the guitar sounds like it is soundtracking the suspense of a monster creeping up behind you in the woods with the drums mimicking its pitter-pattered footsteps and clumsy movements, the bass its short breaths and murmurs. The vocals are coolly delivered by Marshall Reed’s impartial narrator, gloriously exploding in a violent chorus. Production on Pierres’ tracks is like sand spurs—spiky but hard to shake. All the instruments and vocals pack a marvelous punch.
Specifically, “Guarded” is a rock revivalist’s dream. With its ever-evolving arrangement and frenetic dynamism, the track echoes bands like Parquet Courts (especially in the vocals and groove changes), early Cold War Kids (in the pianos and percussion), and Minutemen (in the fast punk grooves and sharp hooks). Simply put, the Pierres have a wealth of potential and I am eager to see them play live. Give “Guarded” a listen below and be on the lookout for their full-length to drop hopefully sooner than later.
More Info
Web: www.thepierres.org
Bandcamp: thepierres2.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @the3pierres
Instagram: @thepierres