A funny thing happened during this week’s review assignment. Now, normally if I am unfamiliar with a group up for review, I’ll do a little research before diving in, just to have a little warning on what I’m gonna be swimming in for the next week. But this week I saw FourPlay String Quartet in my folder and thought, “Hell, I’ve got a ton of things to do around the house, so I’m just gonna throw this on for some soothing background string action.” Turns out, I didn’t get much done since their most recent full length Now To The Future took a wicked stranglehold on my attention.
Right out of the gate, this Australian band that had previously slipped under my radar was producing something instantly recognizable. “Wait a minute,” I thought as I relaxed back on the sofa, “I know this song.” For a second I was worried that I had been slipped a copy of “A String Quartet Tribute to Radiohead,” but the arrangements and energy on FourPlay’s version of “2+2=5" were far and above the thrown together nature of those aforementioned novelty albums.
The next few tracks of the record proved this not to be simply a classical string quartet’s take on modern rock tunes. The groups’ original compositions contain an array of musical styles, none of which are particularly classical in nature. The angelic female vocals and somewhat haunting lyrics on songs like “Evolve and Decay” and “Trust” create some eerily beautiful indie-pop by way of post-rock when coupled with the lovely string arrangements and the quartet’s strong rhythmical senses. “Downtown Nudnik” throws in a sad, French café vibe while “Bollyrock” has a strong Middle Eastern influence, showing the depth of FourPlay’s musical background.
But, as interesting and varied as the band’s original cuts are, the cover tunes tend to be the highlights of the record. My personal favorite is their take on one of the Strokes’ finer moments “Reptillia.” The ability of the stringed instruments to recreate this energetic rock classic is amazing. Vocal lines, dueling guitar rhythms, bass, and drums are all there, just in plucked or bowed form. It is evident these four musicians have a lot of passion for their craft, and the skill and playfulness to back it up. I might have to book a flight to Sydney to catch one of their revered live performances.
All in all, “Now To The Future” is a highly enjoyable listen. Running the gamut of influences and styles, but keeping energy and execution a staple throughout, FourPlay String Quartet seem to be at the top of their game. But damn them for not letting me get my housework done.
-Nick Brandt