Whiter Sands

Despite their misguided band name, New York’s Dances are a guitar-based trio who draw their influences from garage rock and late-'80s, early-‘90s alt-rock. The only ones dancing to these songs are kids in rock clubs whose ideas of dancing include chin stroking and moderate head nodding. (Of course there's nothing wrong with this, outside of violations of truth in advertising.) Originally a solo songwriting project for singer/guitarist Trevor Vaz, Dances evolved into a collaborative trio by 2013; it now features bassist/singer Sam Stoeltje and drummer David Su. Their debut EP, Whiter Sands, was recorded with producer Daniel Schlett (Total Slacker, Here We Go Magic) at Brooklyn’s Strange Weather studio. These four songs capture a band that never fit comfortably in any genre outside of a loose definition of guitar-based indie rock. The title track has elements of blues in a similar way that PJ Harvey is blues. “Holy Fool” is the most pop-driven track, with harmonies and straightforward chords. It's an exciting introduction to a young group showing promise.