NO RIPCORD
The Blank Tapes: Vacation

Matt Adams paints his own album artwork!

One thing’s for sure: summer must be here. From reviewing Generationals’ latest effort earlier this month, moving on to Vacation has done everything to confirm that I’m more than ready for the beach and all of its sundries. So yes…The Blank Tapes is the alias of Matt Adams, a Californian songwriter who does not take himself too seriously. The sunshine that will have immersed him throughout his time in The Golden State is reflected with maximum emissivity in his music as well as his album artwork, which effortlessly echoes the lo-fi sounds of the 60s without trying to plagiarize them. Adams’s melting pot has had many an influence thrown into it, and bubbling from it is a laid-back haze that will leave anyone who inhales it horizontal with appeasement and yearning for the aromas of Piz Buin and Ambre Solaire!

Vacation is actually the 5th LP from The Blank Tapes, and it certainly puts you in the mood for one. It’s also, technically, a vacation for Adams himself, with his latest LP the first not to be recorded on his trusty eight-track. As a Brit myself, it makes me crave a holiday, but not a 10-day all-inclusive package to Turkey or The Balearics. Instead, I find myself wanting to recruit some mates, chip in to buy the mostcolourful of VW Camper Vans, and meander my way down to the coasts of Cornwall and pray for the British equivalent of a heat wave! Opening track Uh-Oh and follow-up Coast to Coast confirm very early the vibe that will be the motif of the record. A Beach Boys-esque, yesteryear attitude is backed up by the simplest of hooks, with an absence of urgency reflected in the natural harmonies and bridges. Vacation is about as easy as easy listening gets.

One of the more impressive feats of this record is just how relevant it sounds. There’s no doubt about it that this album should have been released in the 60s, under the supervision of John Lennon and Brian Wilson. I think this is more just a welcome coincidence with regards to Adams’s attitude to life in general. I’m sure the word ‘serious’ is not one at the forefront of his vocabulary, and the fact that his music sounds so nostalgic is a reminder of an attitude to music in general that was pioneered by my aforementioned supervisors above! Considering this, however, no one track on Vacation sounds as relevant as Tamarind Seeds. Without a doubt my favourite on the album, it’s the coolest of the cool. Another sensationally laid-back hook has the slightest bit of attitude, and there’s a certain sense of inadvertent sophistication oozing from the staunch blueprint whilst not departing from any motif or protruding as an anomaly. Tamarind Seeds, midway through May, has established itself as one of myfavourite outright tracks of 2013 thus far.

The record’s laid-back, lo-fi, psychedelic concept is the nucleus for the strength of its vibe, but influences and incorporations maintain Vacation’s relevance, and give it an unlikely sense of modernity. Pearl is a gentle breeze of pop-rock, while Brazilia, in turn with its title, integrates a bossa nova-like groove obtained from Adams’s time jamming in South America whilst on tour. It’s romantic, provocative, and still avoids being an anomaly. Brazilia is impressive in the fact that it manages to work without any hint of the seriousness that would usually be associated with such themes. Don’t Ever Get Old is a reversion back to the blueprint, before title track Vacation stands out as another highlight with more lusciously simple hooks and gentle harmonies that you’d love to serenade any vacation that you yourself ventured upon. Holy Roller trundles along and gives the first implications that the Vacation may be approaching its conclusion, and Workin’ arrives with a sense of finality, certitude and pensiveness that allows a reflection of the easy ride you’ve just had.

Vacation is the easiest listen I’ve had in a long time. It is the polar opposite of serious, and manages to escape without ripping off the fossilized sounds of 50 years ago, instead paying homage to them and staying relevant with an ongoing sense of modernity. The fact that this sense of modernity is achieved is something, as the template is pretty stringent. However, the incorporation of influences and palpitations are crucial to the album’s strength, and are worked in superbly. Song structures are simple but expertly executed, and I always like to make a comparison somewhere along the lines of… If The Black Keys were surfers, or The Beatles never achieved global stardom, this is something like what it would sound like. A lovely, lovely listen and a sure-fire 8 for connection alone. 80% to be precise!

*first published on No Ripcord*

Pop Press International
Album Review: The Blank Tapes – Vacation

The Blank Tapes’ new album Vacation, out this week on Antenna Farm Records is the sound of falling in love with summer—a collection of eleven beachy pop songs featuring infectious melodies and relentlessly upbeat percussion. The trio’s primary songwriter Matt Addams can weave a laid back melody like no one else, while drummer Pearl Charles provides lean but substantial percussive elements. Adams has released a slew of self recorded, at times lo-fi, almost always simple pop songs, and Vacation marks a distinct evolution to the most confident and tight arrangements by the band so far.

As much as I adore The Bank Tapes, I’ve always seen them as a band that expertly wields a finite amount of tools, working songs from a similar, albeit exceptionally well-achieved, angle at pop music. In light of this, Vacation impresses with its multiple facets and constant stylistic shifting. “Uh-Oh” announces the record with what could be the theme song for an early 70s dating gameshow. From there, the album touches on breezy, road-trip perfection on “Coast to Coast,” dark, muddy pop on the excellent “Tamarind Seeds,” simple picking on “Pearl,” and tropicalia-infused beats and melodies on “Brazilia.” Of these, “Tamarind Seeds” surprised and impressed me the most; something in the implacably perfect buzzing, minor-key guitars makes it seem like this phase of the road trip is undertaken on a vintage motorcycle.

While still solid and highly enjoyable, the songs feel looser than preceding tracks. Galloping toms and the country twinge on “Holy Roller” are the clear high points as the record winds down. “Workin” couldn’t feel any more like a closer, staggering drunkenly through sparse instrumentation—wavering guitars and bare vocals. This is the album’s sunset, that giant ball of fire and fun dipping lazily below the horizon. While the record comes to a close, the summer road trip soundtrack of the Blank Tapes doesn’t have to end. The highways are endless, you’ve always got the repeat button, and with this Vacation, we expect you’ll use it.

Lo-Pie
Review: The Blank Tapes

The Blank Tapes // Vacation
Antenna Farm Records
3.9/5 Pies

Recommended Track: Vacation
Vacation is Matt Adams’ latest incarnation of his band The Blank Tapes, this time stripped down to a very minimal three-piece. The multi-talented artist/musician started out recording by himself onto (you guessed it) blank tapes 10 years ago before moving to San Francisco and experimenting with different band lineups. While his sunny disposition suggests he genuinely enjoyed his time there, it’s clear Vacation was motivated by an itch to return to his Southern Californian roots. It’s the kind of quirky beachside pop the Village Green Preservation Society would have awarded a medal in 1968.

While not quite as iconoclastic as the Ray Davies of that era, Vacation does have its introspective moments. On “Workin’” Adams sings “I’m workin on being a good friend/but I keep on messing it up again/and I’m working on giving all my love/all my health/I been smokin and drinkin too much”. Pearl Charles keeps it light on the drums and lends her heavenly vocals to the washed out guitar twangs before piano and organ come in to lift the song into an impassioned duet. Even at his most existential Adams is sort of the antithesis to the perceived aloofness of someone like Kurt Vile. “Don’t Ever Get Old” might be a song about a mid-life crisis but it could also be a summer road anthem for day trippers.

The Blank Tapes are a pretty versatile band. “Uh-Oh” starts off on a 70s Elton John kick before busting out some handclaps and an irresistible simple chorus. “Brazilia” is an airy bossa nova tune that could accompany a Wes Anderson video montage or another equally whimsical aesthetic in the near future. “Pearl” is Adams’ charmingly lighthearted tribute to the first night he met his future girlfriend/drummer. As it should be, “Vacation” is the most complete realization of The Blank Tapes sound. It’s a slightly bombastic, half serious satire of life on the road. Three part harmonies float in amid flurries of maracas and country rock riffs as Adams talks about checkin out father’s daughters, blowin’ rails with fans and well, generally being on vacation. His ability to switch between humor and seriousness is what makes this such an honest record. It can be a little slow and maybe even a little sad, but for the most part it’s pretty damn enjoyable, just like life. Vacation is out on Antenna Farm Records, do it to it.

Triblive
‘VACATION’ The Blank Tapes (Antenna Farm)

★★★★

As the driving creative force behind indie outfit the Blank Tapes, SoCal native Matt Adams has been writing and recording songs on his home eight-track for a decade and released a handful of DIY albums. Now expanded to a trio, the Blank Tapes look to build their fan base with catchy new full-length “Vacation.” Drawing inspiration from the like of Ray Davies, Lou Reed, Buddy Holly and the Beatles, Adams and his mates have crafted a delightful 11-track platter. Infectious opener “Uh-Oh” lures you right in and the Tapes keep rolling on “Coast to Coast,” “Pearl,” “Brazilia,” the title track and “Holy Roller.” Highly recommended.

“Back to the Red Room we went to see Matt Adam’s band The Blank Tapes, named for all the hundreds of songs he has written and recorded himself. Matt Adams also draws his own album art & posters. He even used to work for MAD Magazine!”

photo by Indie Walker

Tape Famous
Review: Invisible Colors

The Blank Tapes are a tight California Dali trio, by that I mean psychedelic surf pop, sunlight, balloons & cutoffs. Their songs are well tempered – nostalgic songwriting supremely executed. They hold their gentle jams over a repeat hook, darting flourishes here and there. I liken them to a tiki bar band that has you drifting captivated because somewhere between the fuzz of grunge and reverb of shoe gaze we forgot how delicious harmonies, instrumentals and sparse drums in counterpoint were. They’re on tour for their new album release, catch them if you can and grab a copy of this release from the cats at Curly Cassettes.
LISTEN TO INVISIBLE COLORS HERE!

MOCK RECORDS
Sounds from Your Friends (Record Store Day Compilation)

“This isn’t just an album, this is a document of what was happening in the world of underground rock and roll in 2013. It’s dirty. It’s loud. It’s sarcastic. It’s obnoxious. It’s fun. It’s dangerous. But overall, it’s honest. These are the bands that make up the community of Mock Records and we couldn’t be more excited to share them with the world.”

Featuring The Blank Tapes’ alternate version of ‘Silverado!‘ and songs by Gangi, Cab 20, Buffalo Electric, the Spyrals, & many more!

MOKB (My Old Kentucky Blog)
MOKB Premiere : Ash Reiter : “Night Moves” (Bob Seger Cover)

“During the touring, Reiter found time to record a cover of Bob Seger’s coming-of-age song “Night Moves” with the help of her friends The Blank Tapes’ Matt Adams & DA Humphrey and Amber Gougis.”

LISTEN TO NIGHT MOVES HERE!

Paste
Video Premiere: A Picture Of The Three Of Us – Full Documentary

“Five years ago, filmmaker Jared Varava traveled the country with beloved Washington, D.C. rock band These United States. Varava followed the band, then just a trio, on their first-ever US tour, documenting their epic 33/33/33 concept.

The band played 33 shows in 33 cities as a part of 33 different lineups, and in celebration of the five year anniversary of the tour Varava has prepared the full-length documentary A Picture Of The Three Of Us for release. If you didn’t have the luxury of streaming the film on Daytrotter last week, you can watch the video in its entirety in the player below.”
HERE’S THE LINK TO THE VIMEO!
March 23, 2008 at Hotel Utah, San Francisco
Here’s where The Blank Tapes cameo throughout the film:

4:11 – 4:13 Sean Olmstead electric guitar
4:50 – 4:51 TUS w/ The Blank Tapes
9:12 – 9:14 Matt Adams tickling the piano keys
43:10 – 43:15 The Blank Tapes unloading gear at Ft. Mason
43:29 – 43:43 Matt Adams & TUS at Ft. Mason
1:00:42 – 1:00:45 TUS The Blank Tapes shout out!
1:01:54 – 1:01:56 TUS w/ The Blank Tapes
1:02:53 – 1:02:55 Sean Olmstead electric guitar
1:03:54 – 1:03:56 TUS w/ The Blank Tapes zoom!
1:04:24 – 1:04:26 TUS w/ The Blank Tapes

THAT MUSIC MAG
California Natives Matt Costa and The Blank Tapes Team Up to Bring the Sunny, Feel Good Vibes to Fishtown

“After a short change over between bands and stage setup, The Blank Tapes took to the stage. Originally the solo project of guitarist and singer Matt Adams, they have since expanded with the additions of Pearl Charles assisting with vocals and playing floor tom and snare and D.A. Humphrey on bass. Together, the three took the venue to a lazy, breezy summer day at the California beaches.

A majority of their set was comprised of songs off their upcoming album, Vacation. Tunes like “Don’t Ever Get Old” and their new garage-pop influenced single “Coast to Coast” show off the band’s new sound. Vacation will be the first that Adams did not record using an 8 track. While the newer sounds sound more polished, they do not escape the band’s trademark 60s/70s genre hopping ode to classic California sounds.”


Photos by Scott Troyan

The WRGW Music Blog
A Concert Review: The Blank Tapes at U St. Music Hall 4/19

Three things I took away from The Blank Tapes’ performance at U Street Music Hall last Friday:
1. I am almost convinced that beards have magical music powers.
2. Every band gains 10 cool points for having a chick drummer.
3. All I want is to be barbequing poolside on a hot summer day.

Matt Adams, lead singer for the Blank Tapes, surely discovered the secret ability of a beard to enhance all the best aspects of his warm voice and mellow sound. The clothes and equally messy hairstyles of his two band mates, Pearl Charles and a nameless base player, were also salutes to this 1970’s-day-at-the-beach-esque vibe. To say I felt immediately transported into another time would be an exaggeration, but once The Blank Tapes began their set, it was more than easy to imagine myself and everyone else in the venue wearing flared jeans and (another item) on a beach in southern California.

After a modest, “Hi. We’re The Blank Tapes, and we’re from Los Angeles,” Adams and crew opened with “On A Friday Afternoon,” (I’m still trying to decide if that was meant to be ironic or not) and followed with a litany of equally chill tunes that did not fail to disappoint. Perhaps more impressive was Adams’s finesse with the guitar, a finesse that is only realized from a live performance. There was a point during the show where I had to ask myself how it was physically possible for Adams to play so many chords, so fast, while still making it seem effortless and casual. In other words, I was pretty impressed. And as I mentioned before, having a girl drummer in an otherwise male band, is the key ingredient to coolness. At least, I think it’s cool—but maybe that’s just because I’ve secretly always wanted to be a drummer. Also Adams’s girlfriend, the band’s female drummer, Pearl Charles, definitely added to the band’s overall vibe: not only did she hold her own with the other talented musicians, but she also seemed to be the band member enjoying the show the most–smiling, dancing, and basically skipping in one particularly happy song. Needless to say, Charles confirmed my theory that a girl drummer always adds 10 cool points to any band, and kept my dream of being a drummer alive, despite my complete lack of experience with any sort of percussion instruments.

After having experienced The Blank Tapes live, I can definitely say that they are a band to watch. With summer break a mere two weeks away, The Blank Tapes are sure to make their way on to more than a few summer play lists. I, for one, will shamelessly count down the hours until I can lay poolside at a Memorial Day barbeque with The Blank Tapes’ album playing in the background. Not to mention, make sure to pick up their upcoming album, Vacation, on May 14th!

Until then, happy listening!

ALL OUR NOISE
The Blank Tapes

Over the last decade, Matt Adams has been recording lo-fi pop tunes as The Blank Tapes on his trusty eight track. Originally from Southern California, Matt has since taken his vintage vibe up north to San Francisco.

The band’s latest record, Vacation, is their first for Oakland imprint Antenna Farm Records, and their first recorded with the aid of an actual studio.

Matt recently brought his band to DC, and joined us during an amazing spring day out on the patio of The Lodge. Check out the band as they play “Don’t Ever Get Old,” from the new album, and “Beach Party.”

“DON’T EVER GET OLD” on Vimeo & Youtube

“BEACH PARTY” on Vimeo & Youtube

MUSIC NEWS NASHVILLE
Matt Costa, The Blank Tapes and The Kicks at Vinyl in Atlanta

“Next up was the L.A.’s Blank Tapes. Combining hippie-stylings and Folk/Americana, The band’s “John Lennon / Yoko Ono” feel gave the crowd a thrill as they performed songs from their numerous prior releases as well as the upcoming Vacation.”

Photos by gatomsgirl

PLAYBACK STL
Matt Costa | 04.24.13 Firebird, St. Louis

“This is one instance where one could absolutely “judge an album by its cover,” as the band’s copious amounts of hair, leather, and High Times vibe is a perfect match to the groovy, mellow, happy pills of song with which they entranced the crowd. Not only does Matt Adams possess the ability to grow a righteous beard, but he’s also got a warm, soothing, hypnotic tone to his vocals. I look forward to their new LP, which is due out next month.”

Maddy Moments
“You’ve got my attention, here’s my affection for you” -Matt Costa

Then the opening band that was traveling with Matt Costa played some songs. The Blank Tapes, what a group. As they started to play, people came closer and now we were in the front row about 2 feet away. …The two guys had long hair, as did the girl in the band. She was the drummer and danced with her whole body as she rocked forward to keep the beat of the drum.”

KDHX 88.1FM
Concert review: Matt Costa (with the Blank Tapes and Samuel Fickie) helps usher in spring sun at the Firebird, Wednesday, April 25

“The Blank Tapes’ Matt Adams sauntered on stage with a notable Southern Californian gravitas to his gate. As soon as his three-piece band began “Don’t Ever Get Old,” from the group’s upcoming release “Vacation,” the crowd grooved on the band’s shiny Kinks-esque melodies and sun-dappled beauty.

The trio churned through a satisfying, yet all-too-short set that included a handful of songs from “Vacation” and a few as-yet-unreleased tunes. Highlights included “Holy Roller,” “Don’t Take it From Me,” and my favorite, “1,000 Leather Tassels.”

The song was satisfyingly apropos of the group’s dress — each wore a different style of leather jacket, with drummer Pearl Charles sporting a playful set of rubber goulashes and a pink, nearly-polka-dotted diaphanous dress. She stomped her boots on the stage as she hammered on the two drums positioned before her with a charismatic, “thump-ba-dump” rhythm, providing scintillating compliment to Adams’ signature drawl.
The three-piece closed with “Driving Out of My Mind,” which shimmered with a Californian sparkle and a revivalist spirit reminiscent of a coffeehouse Kings of Leon. After the song, the Blank Tapes grabbed their beers, gear and headed for the merchandise table to jaw with friends and fans; Adams selling his fantastic artwork (once upon a time featured in MAD Magazine) and music with a smile and a cool confidence.”

KUTX 98.9FM
The Blank Tapes at KUTX 4.29.13 (Austin, TX)
Photo by Karen Knoller

The Blank Tapes is Matt Adams and Matt Adams is The Blank Tapes. The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist first started making music on his home eight-track in 2003, inspired by the legendary 60′s sounds of bands like The Beatles and The Kinks. He’s always been a self starter, recording songs as easily as getting out of bed in the morning, painting his own album covers, and planning out albums incredibly far in advance. In May, Matt Adams will release a new album as The Blank Tapes, called Vacation. Taking inspiration from life on the road during tours, Vacation has bits and pieces that sound like everything from Robyn Hitchcock to Kris Kristofferson to Buddy Holly.

Today, The Blank Tapes stopped by Studio 1a to record a live session with KUTX. The results of that session are posted HERE!
1. Don’t Ever Get Old
2. Sexy Skype
3. 1,000 Leather Tassels

THE OWL MAG
PICTURE THIS: Matt Costa @ The Observatory, Santa Ana 5/4/13

“So Cal Natives Matt Costa, Hindu Pirates, and The Blank Tapes played a packed show on Saturday at The Observatory.”

Daily 49er
Matt Costa brings a mellow vibe to the Observatory

“Indie rock group The Blank Tapes started off the night. The trio’s twangy guitar riffs and powerful drums sided well with their improvisational jam-rock solos.”

“We toured there for three weeks with a group of friends years ago and were down there for seven weeks the second time. There’s a song on Vacation called ‘Brazilia’ and a little bit of influence and inspiration comes from those trips,” Adams tells the Appeal.

The Blank Tapes started out as a solo endeavor for the Adams’ overabundance of ideas and songs. It’s been said that there are hundreds of songs in varying states floating around in Adams’ head, just waiting to be set free and reach their fullest form. “The biggest thing is lyrics,” Adams says.

“When I have lyrics, usually a song is finished. With this album, songs were written all around the same time along with a few songs from a few years ago. I wanted to give the same vibe and feeling to the tracks. The theme really is vacation. I went for a tropical sound, there are rainbow references.”

Adams’ original recording process saw him playing every instrument and recording on a four track, hence his moniker. Now, he’s added a host of Bay Area collaborators to his musical arsenal, including Sugar Candy Mountain’s Will Halsey and producer Carlos Arredondo, who’s worked with fellow Bay Area band tUnE-yArDs. Another welcomed addition is Adams’ girlfriend and Blank Tapes drummer Pearl Charles.

In addition to laying down the drums and sweet vocals to Adams’ sun-soaked croon, Charles also inspired the song “Pearl,” detailing the night the couple met. After six years spent in the Bay Area, Adams moved to SoCal to be with Charles and for more industry opportunities. A native of the Orange County area, Adams effortlessly bridges the gap between NorCal and SoCal.

“We’ve basically been playing SF every month though. With this upcoming show at the Chapel, we’ll be playing with the Allah-Las who are also based out of LA,” Adams says.

Adams and co. are set to hit the Chapel this Thursday, May 9. Like all Bay Area music lovers, they’ll be soaking up all that this busy weekend has to offer, including taking in shows at the inaugural Bottle Rock in Napa. “It’s also my birthday this Saturday,” Charles adds, “My grand plan is to go to Big Sur and Joshua Tree. We’ve got an in-store over the weekend though, so we’ll see how that pans out.”

Catch The Blank Tapes this Thursday, May 9.

THE BAY BRIDGED
Review & Photos: Allah-Las, The Blank Tapes @ The Chapel, 5/9/13

“Matt Adams and his bandmates kept saying how good it feels to be back in California. It’s good to have them back! Their warm melodies and overall sun-kissed vibrations, particularly on tunes like “Vacation” and “Beach Party,” melted the entire venue. Drummer Pearl Charles came prepared with flowers in her hair. A huge thanks to The Blank Tapes for inviting me to this show!! So much rock and roll tonight.”

Photos by Lauren Espina

EXAMINER
Allah-Las & The Blank Tapes – May 5th @ The Chapel

“Then… The Blank Tapes. Another fantastic west-coast native group. Matt Adams and friends Pearl Charles, & DA Humphrey are freshly coming off of a tour with Matt Costa. They are ready to have San Francisco swaying to their dreamy sound. Such a great line-up.”

Just in time for the warm weather, The Blank Tapes is set to release a new album, appropriatley titled Vacation.

Matt Adams, the man behind The Blank Tapes, has been recording music for years, drawing inspiration from bands like The Beatles and The Kinks. Songwriting has come naturally to Adams, and the seemingly constant stream of new content has benefitted his work. With a few international hits and a South American tour in his past, it’s no surprise that his sunny garage-rock has continued to grow more complex.

Vacation is set for release on May 14, but you can listen to the album in its entirety in the player below.

RDIO
Take An Early Vacation With The Blank Tapes

Don’t the days seem slower and longer when you’re waiting to go on vacation? No one likes waiting for their time off to hurry up and get here, but luckily The Blank Tapes can sympathize. The Los Angeles-based garage pop band founded by Matt Adams has given Rdio an early listen to his new album Vacation. It’s the first LP with a band to bolster Adams in what was previously a solo venture and also the first to not be recorded on Adams’ eight-track; like the title suggests, it’s a welcome departure.
LISTEN HERE!

SELECTIVE MEMORY
The Blank Tapes – Vacation (Antenna Farm Records)

If Matt Adams is not a huge Archies fan, I would be shocked because that is the first thing that comes to mind when you are listening to Vacation.

So the album is not as glossed over and glittery as the twinkle-nosed teens from the ‘60s. But this California dreamer is more about the West Coast garage than the Northwest pop grit that bears some resemblance.

All this stems from years compiling bedroom tapes and working out a sound that is as infectious as it is shimmering. It’s not a big sound as say what Big Star and Gary Glitter did. Think of Vacation in a more contemplative tone—David Cassidy and Dave Mason, perhaps.

In order for Adams to accomplish a feat as big as Vacation, he left his home studio for Los Angeles to record. From the drum roll into “Uh-Oh,” you feel like Adams has always been here for us, while keeping his style current.

“Coast To Coast” perpetually spirals us into the teen dream and is the darling of the album. It’s as potent as Big Star’s “In The Street,” and could be as impacting given enough time.

“Pearl” is that glorious love song (written for drummer and girlfriend Pearl Charles on the night he met her) spent on summer evening, the vocal echo reverberating like a soft breeze. The haunting of Roy Orbison swoon, philosophical like Lou Reed’s enchantment.

The oddball of the album lies in “Brazilia.” Inspired by his park jam sessions on his last Brazilian tour, it’s drenched in Jobim-style romantic affairs and screams Luaka Bop all over it. As much as it stands out, maybe better fitting in the context of a 45, it still works in context to the album.

Like a subtle diversion, the album bounces back to more beachfront pop stemming from transistor cruises with Adams giving us some simple advice, “Don’t ever get old.”

It would be an absolute shame for an album like this to fade into obscurity. If you are a fan of pop music whatsoever, this album needs to be in your collection.

THIS IS BOOK’S MUSIC
REVIEW: The Blank Tapes’ “Vacation”

The music by The Blank Tapes could be anything from Americana to California rock to sunshine pop, and anyone who loves to relax and chill out in their cars or at parks will love the power of Vacation (Antenna Farm). The vibe of their music is laid back rock, imagine Weezer jamming with Wilco and decided that the guys in Radiohead are not allowed to mess up things. Their songs are catchy, the hooks and structure are close-to-perfect, and if you love the qualities of the bands mentioned in this review, you’ll find something here to enjoy. Or let me put it bluntly: The Blank Tapes sound like a less stoney Grateful Dead, where things might lead to folk or country but it doesn’t. Vacation could become a part of the next generation of vacation music, music you can just turn and rely on for 40 minutes.

SYFFAL
(SHUT YOUR FUCKING FACE AND LISTEN)
The Blank Tapes – Vacation

Sure they look like a bunch of hippies, and they probably are, but The Blank Tapes, Coast to Coast, makes me want to invest in denim and lose my razor. They sound like Brian Wilson joined the Spin Doctors for the Santa Cruz leg of a west coast tour. With all of the events of last week, I found myself needing something positive. Sure, it shouldn’t take me long to get back to my old, pissed-off punk rock and dysfunctional hip hop, but in the meantime, The Blank Tapes soon-to-be-released album, Vacation is working like medicine.

Vacation isn’t saccharine or sappy, it’s actually kind of gritty. It’s certifiably rock and roll music. But like the best of the genre, a traditional arrangement of guitars and amps is elevated to something beyond by charisma and effusive talent. It is singer/songwriter/LSD guide Matt Adams’ ability to make lo-fi, 60′s-infused rock so fucking scrumptiously poppy. It’s The Ramones’ unity of sound and look, with The Black Keys’ sensibility and one foot in the Pacific Ocean and the other in a patch of mushrooms.

It’s been warming up here in LA. I was even able to go to the beach a few weekends ago. I’m talking 85 and sunny, badass waves, and, as people have yet to admit warmer temps are here, a near empty beach. Along the way, The Blank Tapes. Absolutely perfect windows open, cool breeze in your hair soundtrack. It’s the close your eyes and put your hands out of the sunroof kind of thing. It’s the quick embrace and stolen dance under the pier. It’s the feeling when the waves bury your feet in sand as the water rushes back out to sea. It’s the salty smell of the ocean present in the canyon air before you can see it. Almost spitting out a fish tacos because you’re laughing so hard. The quiet, sun-kissed drive home.

UTNE Reader
The Blank Tapes – Vacation

Ask frontman Matt Adams how long The Blank Tapes have been doing their thing and he’ll pause for a second. Then he’ll explain that this iteration has been together for maybe a year and a half—but the project’s been alive for about 10 years. After almost a decade as a solo act, Adams turned The Blank Tapes into a trio, adding bassist D.A. Humphrey and drummer-vocalist Pearl Charles to the mix. Laid-back harmonies, simple guitar hooks, and the occasional dose of reverb add up to a carefree psychedelic-surfer vibe. Songs about beaches, travelling, and double rainbows are lovably simple without falling into cliché. Album highlights include “Coast to Coast,” “Brazilia,” and “Holy Roller.” Vacation is out May 14 on Antennae Farm Records.

Read more: http://www.utne.com/utne-reader-music-sampler.aspx#ixzz2TP72NL6a

TO ELEVEN
REVIEW: THE BLANK TAPES – VACATION

The Blank Tapes – Vacation. Antenna Farm Records, 2013.

When I saw that The Blank Tapes newest release was called Vacation, I figured it would be pretty appropriate for my to review it right now. My girlfriend and I are just finishing our vacation, so I’m in a vacation sort of mood. You know: the right kind of mood for this kind of album.

When I say “this kind of album,” I really do mean the vacationy sort of album. The Blank Tapes really have put together an album that makes me want to sit on a beach with a beer in my hand and an umbrella over my head to protect me from the sun. Right from the opening track, “Uh-Oh,” there’s this kind of lazy, sunny, AM radio vibe, with just a little bit of Spoon mixed in to keep things current. It’s mellow, it’s relaxing, and it’s fun. These guys are good at what they do, but they don’t take themselves too seriously.

The Blank Tapes run the gamut from Beach Boys-style sixties rock (on “Coast to Coast”), Indie Pop (“Tamarind Seeds”), Lou Reed-inspired pop-rock (“Pearl”), to Latin jazz-pop (“Brasilia”), to early solo McCartney (“Holy Roller”). The real feat heat is that through all of this, they still manage to sound modern and relevant.

Overall, Vacation is a nice, breezy album that remembers yesteryear, rather than trying to recreate it.

Vacation by the Blank Tapes comes out on May 14th on Antenna Farm Records.

-jason

Paste Magazine
Song Premiere: The Blank Tapes – “Holy Roller”

LISTEN TO ‘HOLY ROLLER’
The Blank Tapes is the musical moniker of California instrumentalist Matt Adams. Adams has been making music since 2003, and unsurprisingly his summery garage rock jams have become huge hits in places like Brazil. After touring Europe with Thee Oh Sees and R. Stevie Moore, Adams is back and set to release The Blank Tapes’ new material on forthcoming LP Vacation.

The album title makes sense, too, when you hear the beachy vibe of the first single, “Holy Roller.” Listen to the track in the player below, and look out for Vacation, set for release via Oakland, Calif.’s Antenna Farm Records.

Antenna Farm Records
The Blank Tapes release Holy Roller single, blow up Twitter Music!

The Blank Tapes continue their tour supporting Matt Costa this week, headed back west through TX to California.

In the meantime, they’ve premiered a new single (via Paste) and released it to iTunes: the springtime rocker, Holy Roller. Re-worked from the version appearing on the upcoming Vacation LP, the single version of Holy Roller has a distinctive Dwight Twilley drive, with a little harder edge than the album version (which comes as the B-Side on the single).

The song is an ode to that shady old dude we all know, an unmistakable California fixture, part lurker, part wise sage, a dude who will steal your pen but still want to be your friend. Check it out below.

The track was also released to Spotify and RDIO, where it seems to have blown up twitter this week. Indeed, yesterday The Blank Tapes and Holy Roller coasted to the top of the Emerging charts on Twitter Music, based on chatter on the twittersphere.

If you haven’t checked out Twitter Music yet, you can find it here. Kinda cool.

But even better, check out HOLY ROLLER on iTunes, Spotify or RDIO ! Or stream it free below!

THIS IS BOOK’S MUSIC
FREE MP3 DL: The Blank Tapes’ “Holy Roller”

The Blank Tapes are currently on tour towards the release of their forthcoming album on Antenna Farm Records, Vacation. It’s due on May 14th, and as they journey around the Americas, they’ve decided to share “Holy Roller”, a song from the album. Listen to this.

Zeusitup
Song Premiere: The Blank Tapes – “Holy Roller”

The Blank Tapes is the musical moniker of California instrumentalist Matt Adams. Adams has been making music since 2003, and unsurprisingly his summery garage rock jams have become huge hits in places like Brazil. After touring Europe with Thee Oh Sees and R. Stevie Moore, Adams is back and set to release The Blank Tapes’ new material on forthcoming LP Vacation.
The album title makes sense, too, when you hear the beachy vibe of the first single, “Holy Roller.” Listen to the track in the player below, and look out for Vacation, set for release via Oakland, Calif.’s Antenna Farm Records.

We Heart Music
Matt Costa at Triple Rock Social Club, Minneapolis (04/04/13)

“Opening up for Matt were the Blank Tapes, a California 60s-inspired surf pop band, playing music from their forthcoming album Vacation (to be released in May 2013 via Antenna Farm Records), including “Coast to Coast” and “Holy Roller”. They ended their set with what they called “Peter Pan” (but setlist shows “Long Ago”).”

Sunday Brunch (food for thought)
REVIEW | Matt Costa and Blank Tapes at Virgin Mobile Mod Club

“Openers the Blank Tapes are kind of the best and their soon-to-be-released LP, Vacation, is my new favourite thing to listen to on repeat while impatiently waiting for summer.”

“It might have been a dreary April showers kind of day on the outside, but it didn’t feel like it inside the Mod Club when artists Matt Costa and The Blank Tapes brought their California sunshine vibes to the city this past Thursday.

The Blank Tapes opened the show with their sweet, sweet sounds of 60s-inspired surf-pop. With their mesmeric (this is a real word, I swear. Look it up, listen to the band, and bam – you’ll know exactly what I mean) harmonies, you couldn’t help but sway along to their set with a huge grin plastered on your face. Having a female singer-drummer who plays with mallets is an added bonus of awesomeness. It was a bit disappointing to see the turn-out and I can’t tell whether it was because the general Toronto concert going population has the weirdest complex about seeing opening bands OR whether it was because the promoter was so adamant about making the set times a top secret, you had to go through five different websites and know a secret handshake before you actually found them…

…The Blank Tapes put on an awesome performance, enchanting everyone who came out for them, and their beachy sounds had such an impact on me that I booked a flight to San Francisco following their show. True story.

Their album, Vacation, comes out May 14th, but you can pre-order it now! …All in all, a really awesome way to spend a rainy weeknight, and seriously, why hasn’t the California Tourism Bureau partnered with both bands to promote their fine state because if there’s one way to get people (me) to book a ticket to California, it’s to bring a little sunshine via these guys into their life!”

TicketMaster review by kentinmn
“I was impressed with The Blank Tapes, now my new favorite band, who’s southern California sound was raw & melodic. They reminded me of the punk & new wave bands that passed through Minneapolis in the late ’70′s & early ’80′s.”

Music Between Friends
Tonight: See The Blank Tapes & Matt Costa @ Mod Club April 11th

Tonight, brave that ice storm and check out LA garage-pop trio The Blank Tapes and Huntington Beach’s Matt Costa at Mod Club @ (7pm). Tickets are still available here. Oh yeah, and I’ll be interviewing The Blank Tapes after their set, so stay tuned for that.

RIYL: M. Ward, acoustic Chad Vangaalen, Euros Child

Coast To Coast the single off The Blank Tapes upcoming album, Vacation released May 14th 2013.

MTL BLOG
[PICTURES] MATT COSTA + THE BLANK TAPES @ PETIT CAMPUS

“Out of all the events I’ve shot, this night at Petit Campus was definitely the most intimate. From the staff, the crowd, and performers; everyone was beaming with happiness to be there. Despite the frigid Montreal weather, the all-Californian lineup threw a blanket of warm vibes that covered every inch of the venue. The Blank Tapes kicked off the show with a fantastic set of songs that flew your mind to the sunny Cali beaches that they come from.”

More amazing photos by Sebastian Furtado HERE!

CONFRONT MAGAZINE
Show Review: Matt Costa & The Blank Tapes at Petit Campus

“The Blank Tapes, an indie-rock band based out of Los Angeles, shooed away our unwanted winter blues and and presented us with, as Pearl Charles, the free-spirited drummer and soft-voiced vocalist put it, a “beach party”. Lead vocalist and The Blank Tapes original one-man show Matt Adams rocked out on guitar and progressively had people swaying to his laid-back rhythms that echo the carefree and testy tunes you would have been able to find in the 60s. Their breezy, East Coast attitudes rubbed off on the crowd instantaneously, and had even the more reluctant members of the crowd dancing around a little, proof that their easy-going vibes can melt both the snow off our boots and off of people’s attitudes.

These guys are the perfect group to listen to if you’re in the mood for either a) forgetting about cold weather b) wanting a study break which will then lead to you not studying for the rest of the night because you’ll find yourself in your kitchen stirring up a pitcher of summer sangria and/or c) awesome surfer-style jams. Needless to say, I picked up their Home Away From Home LP for my constantly-expanding collection in hopes that playing it in my room will melt the snow outside of my bedroom window (and for an excuse to drink sangria before June).”

Killing the Cabinet
Concert Review: Matt Costa at Brighton Music Hall in Boston on April 14th, 2013

“(The Blank Tapes) picked up the pace in the crowd’s head bobs and foot taps, igniting the 1960’s Cali beach vibes in a dark and cooler April weather than New Englanders would have liked. Perfect mix of hippie attitude and image with glorified beats classified this LA-based trio a uniquely pleasant step above.”
WERS 88.9FM
Matt Costa Live at Brighton

“Surf-rock swinging The Blank Tapes opened the show for Matt Costa at the Brighton Music Hall. “Would it be alright if we had a beach party?” percussionist Pearl Charles asked the audience before the band’s lead guitarist and singer Matt Adams and bassist DA Humphrey embarked on their set. With vintage charm and a wonderfully overwhelming danceability, the certainly set the mood for the concert.”

SPEAK INTO MY GOODEYE
Matt Costa, The Blank Tapes, & Vandaveer Played The Bowery Ballroom (PHOTOS)

“Next came the Blank Tapes, who barely cooed a “Hey there,” before crashing into a sweaty set of nostalgia-driven lo-fi psych rock. They mentioned they were from San Fran, which was easy to guess from the flowers embroidered on the Sgt. Pepper-style jean jacket and drummer Pearl Charles’ bohemian bell sleeved dress. The three-piece, led by 60s rock veteran and lead guitarist Matt Adams, marched through a half dozen tunes about beach parties, drugs, and surfin’ safaris. The Blank Tapes were a jump-start the crowd needed.”

More photos by Jonathon Bernstein HERE!

Dry Paint Signs
For the morning after… last night’s show

“I did, however, catch all of the Blank Tapes. The brainchild of Matt Adams, the Blank Tapes make California pop full of jangly reverbed guitar, big drums, and vocal harmonies, but with a lo-fi twist. Since the start, Adams has been very DIY, from recording on cassette tapes to drawing his own album art. He even used to play all the instruments, but in the past year, he’s added D.A. Humphrey on bass and the adorable Pearl Charles to keep time with a mallet in each hand on drums. “We’re from the West Coast, so we figured we’d bring the beach party. We know you guys have a nice beach yourselves,” said Pearl. “No, we don’t!” yelled a crowdmember. Even if our beaches have been significantly washed away by Hurricane Sandy, the Blank Tapes would also make an excellent soundtrack to a Brooklyn rooftop BBQ. The set consisted mainly of songs from their upcoming album Vacation, but also a few too new even for that, like the psychedelic “1000 Leather Tassels.” I bought a vinyl to listen to on days when I wish it were sunny.”

Kellyann Petry took over 200 amazing photos of The Blank Tapes on the night of the show at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC April 15th, 2013. Check ‘em out!

Break Thru Radio TV
The Blank Tapes – BTR Live Studio [ep220]

Shades of classic rock and 50′s/60′s pop permeate The Blank Tapesapos; stoner/pych-rock vibes. Hailing from San Francisco, Matt Adams is a prolific songwriter — not to mention a talented visual artist — with a timeless approach to music. Now in perhaps its leanest and strongest form yet, The Blank Tapes are a trio these days, featuring Adams along with girlfriend/resident-Moe Tucker-style-drummer Pearl Charles, and D.A. Humphrey on bass, and they’re ready to spread their songs across the land, taking us all on Vacation. /// Featured Song: “Don’t Ever Get Old” /// The Blank Tapes’ new album, Vacation, is available today from Antenna Farm Records. /// Complete broadcast and radio playlist: http://b-t-r.co/12Lh8rt

Director: BVZA (Brendan Vaughan & Zac Adams)
DP: Zac Adams
1st AC: Margaret Parus
2nd AC: Shauna Brown
G & E: Travers Jacobs
Title Design: Matthew Anderson
Foley: Connor Richardson
Colorist: Zac Adams & Brenna Perez

Pre-Order The Blank Tapes – Vacation Now!

OK, check it out. The Blank Tapes are on tour, and a lot of folks have been asking “When can I get my hands on a copy of their amazing new album Vacation?” Literally, that is the exact set of words they are using.

Well, the LP and CD aren’t in stores until May 14th. BUT, we don’t like making people wait, so we went ahead and set up a pre-order through the AF store and iTunes. Because patience is not a virtue we care about.

So order now, and we will be shipping LPs and CD pre-orders the first week of May. US orders will have copies in hand well before day of release.

Likewise, pre-order from iTunes now and you’ll get an auto-download of the full album (with an exclusive pdf booklet of original Matt Adams art & lyrics) on May 7th, a full week before release date!

Sound good? Order NOW!

The Blank Tapes ‘Vacation’ – Vinyl
Pre-orders will ship the first week of May and come with a limited edition tour poster while supplies last!! Vinyl version comes with Digital Download including the extra 7 song Holy Roller digital EP, only available with the LP!
The Blank Tapes ‘Vacation’ – CD
Pre-orders will ship the first week of May and come with a limited edition tour poster while supplies last!!
The Blank Tapes ‘Vacation’ – iTunes

Following years of self-recorded album and EP releases, including work for venerable LA labels White Noise and Burger Records, relentless touring in the US, Japan, Europe & Brazil, Matt Adams and The Blank Tapes return with Vacation, the first ever full Blank Tapes album recorded outside of Adams’ home studio.

Full of the kind of three-part harmonies the Wilson Brothers used to love, Vacation has songs that transplant the style and sentiment of immortals like Ray Davies and Robyn Hitchcock (“Earring”) or Kris Kristofferson and Terry Allen (“Working,” “Vacation”) or even Lou Reed (“Pearl,” written about girlfriend and current Blank Tapes drummer Pearl Charles the night he met her) and Buddy Holly (the adorable bridge of “Coast to Coast”) or even Os Mutantes on “Brazilia,” a bossa-delic song inspired by Adams’ informal park jam sessions on his Brazilian
tour. Vacation is an everything-old-is-new-again album—a record chasing down timelessness in its own time.

Welcome once again to the Pitchfork Guide to Upcoming Releases, our seasonal guide to upcoming releases. Four times a year, we round up a big ol’ list of albums, singles, EPs, and DVDs set to be unleashed over the coming months, hoping to get you pumped about going out and buying records. (You do still do that, right? RIGHT?) This installment covers spring 2013.
Compiling such a list isn’t easy in this day and age, with different release dates for digital and physical versions of albums, as well as different release dates for different countries. So we tried to stick with North American physical release dates as much as possible, with exceptions as noted. Keep in mind that any of this information could change at any moment.

05-16
The Blank Tapes: Vacation [Antenna Farm]

Living Fash: The Blank Tapes

These guys sound so much like some band from the 60′s, it magically transports you to a another time. Check out the latest on them.
They’ll kick off the ir US tour this April, so if they’re stoping near your city, you should try catching a performance.

The Blank Tapes…j’avais déjà partagé un morceau de ce groupe, “We Can Do What We Want To”, dans un post où j’avais publié des morceaux de groupes californiens en janvier – article importé de mon précédent blog, donc.

Voici leur dernier morceau, Coast to Coast, qui fera partie de leur prochain album, Vacation, prévu pour le 14 mai prochain. Un peu à la John Lennon, cette musique pop-folk-rock-surf-je-ne-sais-pas-trop-moi est parfaitement bien mise en scène par Brendan Vaughan et Zac Adams et nous invite à voyager, faire des road trip, se laisser pousser la barbe, sauter sur des lits, bader devant la télé des heures ou se balader où l’on veut… alors en attendant le 14 mai, on écoute Coast to Coast, Sleepyhead et autres morceaux apaisants de ce groupe chevelu de la côté ouest.

GOOGLE TRANSLATE: “The Blank Tapes … I had shared a piece of this group, “We Can Do What We Want To”, in a post where I published pieces Californian groups in January – Item imported from my previous blog, so.

Here’s their last piece, Coast to Coast, which will be part of their next album, Vacation, scheduled for May 14. A bit like John Lennon, this pop-folk-rock-surf-I-don’t-know-me too perfectly staged by Brendan Vaughan and Zac Adams and invites us to travel, make road trip , grow a beard, jumping on beds, bader front of the TV for hours or walk wherever you want … Until then May 14th, we listen Coast to Coast, and other pieces Sleepyhead soothing scalp this group of west side.”

Létající ryba
video: The Blank Tapes – Coast to Coast

K novému albu se schyluje i u sanfranciských Blank Tapes, deska s názvem Vacation vyjde 14. května u Antena Farm Records. To, jak neprvoplánově těží Blank Tapes ze zvuků a nálad šedesátých let, se mi vždycky líbilo, u Coast to Coast to platí dvojnásob. Výborná záležitost!

The Blank Tapes
San Francisco, CA
album: Vacation (14. 5. 2013)

GOOGLE TRANSLATE: “The new album is coming up also in San Francisco Blank Tapes, board called Vacation will be released on the 14th May at Antenna Farm Records. How neprvoplánově Blank Tapes benefit of the sounds and moods of the sixties, I’ve always liked the Coast to Coast this is doubly true. Excellent matter!”