The Explorers Club "Freedom Wind"

A lot of bands try to emulate the classic Beach Boys sound. Most have successfully copied the chord structures and instrumentation. Very, very few have been able to come close to the vocal dynamics of the original boys. The Explorers Club have done this, through lush arrangements and genuine four part harmonies. This type of sweet wistful sunshine pop is what “Freedom Wind” does better than most contemporaries. I heard bits and pieces in the previous year, that indicated a great Beach Boys-styled group. Jason Brewer’s vocals here are impeccable and if you are a Brian Wilson devotee, you can’t get any better. It’s songs about girls on the beach, circa 1966 before the ambitions of Pet Sounds would bring the boys dynamic to the brink and over the edge, with Smile. The title track “Freedom Wind” has the soulful vocal to an organ lead chorus with swirling harmonies you can almost imagine a less gin-soaked Dennis Wilson here. “Last Kiss” and “Do You Love Me?” are note perfect BB songs. “Don’t Forget The Sun” also makes use of the rich wall of harmonic sound that could fit on BB’s “Today” album. It’s not all sun and surf, as “Honey I Don’t Know Why” sounds like an outtake from a “Love You” 1976 session. And the sleepy “In the Country” is like a Carl Wilson solo track from 1972. The soaring vocals on “Forever” is so good it will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Every song here shines — not a bad one to be found. It stands alongside the work of Jeffrey Foskett or Jeff Larson easily. This top ten for 2008 nominee, picks up for millions of Beach Boys fans who want new music and the endless summer to continue into the 21st century.

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Listen to “Do You Love Me?”

Listen to more of the album through muxtape

This is a great example of 4 part harmonic skill during the rehearsal.
And this is a really good example of why a band should leave the PR and advertising to professionals. Guys, don’t quit your day job.