There seems to be a trend of late that we certainly won’t complain about: local NYC/Brooklyn bands channeling earnest 90s music styles to match the Doc Martens and grandmother-inspired floral prints seen on the streets of Williamsburg. After a positive review from Pitchfork for their track, “Future Tense,” local band Diehard couldn’t be blamed if they were to perhaps act like they have it all sorted, but this power pop four-piece offers no hint of pretension on their Oh So Premier EP.
After the minimal-to-layered buildup of the opening track, the record kicks into higher gear with “Was I Wrong?,” a playful Velocity Girl-like singsong of regret that can’t help but bring on a smile. “Future Tense,” a haunting I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One-evoking track manages to honor that quintessential record while also offering a new breath of youthful beats and lyrical beauty. We can easily imagine it as a worthy track to follow “Damage,” yet it holds its own in the sincere indie rock department.
“Cool Kids”, the final track on the EP, is a beach friendly take on harmony and happenstance. “We’re all down/We’re around” makes us want to meet them at the benches in front of Bouton Hall for an afternoon of youthful time wasting.
Oh So Premier may do its fair share of conjuring up the past, but it also marks an enjoyable present and promising future for Diehard. – Lora Grillo for StereoactiveNYC.com