Connecticut quartet releases their sophomore album showing a different side
Music generated from the jam band scene has an uphill battle breaking through to the mainstream. The progenitors of the scene, the Grateful Dead, didn’t pursue chart success and didn’t need it. However, 22 years after their formation, the clever, catchy Touch of Grey spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking into the top ten and forcing the band into performing in stadiums for the remainder of their career. Modern bands of the genre may be breakthrough-challenged due to density, long musical explorations prioritized over vocal excellence, often coupled with silly lyrics and goofy band names. On the surface, Eggy could slot into such a stereotype. But a shallow dig deeper reveals more to this young band. Their name began as a gentle dig at a close friend. Upon his passing, it became a remembrance and a way to honour him every day. Many of their songs performed live double or quintuple the average 4-minute duration, but their rock improvisations often remain relentlessly melodic and danceable. What sets the band apart is not just the interstellar jams, although they do so expertly. It’s the fact that they write actual songs that stand alone aside from the distraction of extended playing that traverses the mindscape roads of free association. This focus on songs first takes them out of the stable of young shredders noodling endlessly over major 7th-chord funk jams and into a corral of their own.
Eggy’s second full-length studio album, Waiting Game, was released on Sept. 6, following up 2019’s Watercolor Days. Recorded over several weeks with White Denim’s James Petralli at the producer’s desk, Waiting Game is comprised of ten songs, each full of emotion and imagery. Breaking away from their usual live releases, which highlight their strong musicianship and jamming skills, Waiting Game proves their polish as a modern rock-pop group. From the 80s gloss of the opening track, Laurel to the one that follows, A Moment’s Notice tinged with modern soul and supported by the sinuous bass lines of Mike Goodman, we find the band a long way from the 13th minute of a guitar solo-driven jam. Next, Smile enters somewhat familiar territory with a syncopated opening and doesn’t sound not-prog by the end of the song. The next track provides a point of discussion about some of the interesting choices made by Eggy on Waiting Game. While each band member sings, in a live setting lead vocals are passed around. However, the band made the decision to have tastefully thunderous drummer Alex Bailey be the de facto lead vocalist on this album. His voice is highlighted throughout, but especially on Shallow Rivers and continuing to Come Up Slow. After this pair of thoughtful numbers, we get a slinky, percussive guitar groove laid down by guitarist Jake Brownstein, layered with lovely synth washes from keyboardist Dani Battat on Must Come Down. With regards to the guitars, his layered parts sound impossible to reproduce in a live setting. However, Brownstein is likely one of the top modern guitar loopers, adding phrase after phrase and finding ways to interplay and mesh. Way of the Stone clocks in the album’s longest song at a mere four and a half minutes and highlights ‘fifth member’ lyricist, Patrick Amarante. Waiting Game has plenty of love songs but the prettiest may be So Long, featuring Veronica Stewart-Frommer (from NYC indie-soul group, Melt), their two voices blend superbly. The title track begins with acoustic guitar and contains more thoughtful lyrics, asking if life is indeed a waiting game, touching on themes of self-discovery and reflection, hope and resilience. The final song on Waiting Game, Gentle Clown is reflective and empathetic as well, exploring the complexities of human emotions.
In Waiting Game, Eggy fans are treated to their most intentional renditioning of the latest batch of songs to enter their repertoire. Equally exciting is to see how they will morph and mature over the succeeding years of performance. New fans introduced to Eggy through their latest album may be in for the greatest treat. The chance to hear the band’s efforts and output in the studio setting first, followed by their jaw-dropping, face-melting live performances.
Waiting Game can be heard and bought here. Catch Eggy on their tour supporting the new album as they wind through the US. More info on their shows here.
Aron Harris
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