Album Review: Winnetka Bowling League Are Winning In Self- Titled EP
On title, you do not know what to expect from a band called Winnetka Bowling League. Immediately, you think of a group of middle-aged men in Illinois wearing pin-striped shirts and shoes. You picture them patting themselves on the back as they score strikes and spares. Thus, when you hear their self-titled EP, you feel shocked at how magical it is.
Snares and synths twinkle as guitar chords ballet through tracks such as, “Feeling California.” Hence, the last thing you think about is the loud thump and roll of a bowling ball, but, in some ways, I appreciate the twist. There is a casualness and surrealism to Winnetka Bowling League’s lyrics and sound that makes them feel like Waiting For Godot 2018. In it, you have a modern group of guys going through an existential crisis while waiting for their buddy to pick them up for the SoCal beach bonfire. The voice leading this existential conversation is Matthew Koma.
Winnetka Bowling League – Feeling California (Official Visualizer)
Vocally, Matthew feels as if stars move around his annotations rather than the earth’s orbit. Even gravity gravitates to his vocal notes to leave them grounded and planted in a soundscape that floats, zips, and zaps.Yet, such a vibe is perfect because there is nothing more surreal then feeling you have won, which is why we do sports, go for goals, and pick people to stand by our side like a team. If Winnetka Bowling League are aiming to make life feel like a sports event filled with rounds that you win and lose, then their self-titled EP dreamily accomplishes this feat.
Winnetka Bowling League – On The 5 (Official Video)
From “On The 5” to “Are You Okay,” Winnetka Bowling League aim to make your thoughts the color of the golden sun. Throughout “Dreamer,” you can feel the heat of the blazing skies and salt of ocean tides as you watch yours and “Alice” feet imprint on the sand, and wonder whether it will leave such an imprint on life. Such deep thoughts come in the most random of moments and places because all they need is silence as an invitation. In some ways, Winnetka Bowling League’s sound stirs a quietness that helps you analyze what winning means to you; from the silliness to the weightiness such a definition has on how you relate to your life. To Buy Winnetka Bowling League Album Click Here.
