“the CIA” by glass beach is a sonic exploration that defies easy categorization, blending elements of dark, dancy post-punk, and jazz into a thrilling and complex composition. The track opens with strings that quickly give way to vocal elements, setting the stage for an interesting drum groove, synth layers, and guitars that fill the sonic space.
Right from the start, the song exudes a definite prog vibe, with interesting time signatures and meters that drive it forward. The dynamic and driving nature of the composition captures attention, creating a sense of tension and anticipation that keeps the listener engaged throughout.
The journey through “the CIA” unfolds as a dark, dancy hybrid, where glass beach showcases their prowess in crafting intricate and layered music. The song progresses with a sense of urgency, leading to a climactic modern metal explosion marked by glitchy production zaps and razor-sharp stops. This unexpected twist adds to the overall thrill of the composition, providing a glimpse into the meticulous universe that front person and primary songwriter J. McClendon has been crafting.
Recorded in Los Angeles, engineered, and mixed by McClendon and lead guitarist Layne Smith, and later mastered by Grammy-nominated producer Will Yip, “the CIA” is a testament to the band’s commitment to sonic exploration and pushing musical boundaries.
glass beach, founded in 2016 by J McClendon, William White, and Jonas Newhouse, has evolved into a dynamic force in the music scene. The fusion of their diverse influences, including 1960s jazz, new wave, early synthesizer music, and emo, is presented with the harshness and irreverence of punk. The band embraces the trend towards genrelessness, playing with musical boundaries to the point of absurdity.