Borrowing its name from the now defunct amusement park that sat on the western edge of San Francisco for well over half of the 20th century, "Playland at the Beach" is the latest endeavor from GREAT APES. Thematically, the EP addresses San Francisco’s past, rapidly changing present, and future. It is a record about the history, cultures, neighborhoods, politics, businesses, people, and greater societal and economic forces that have and continue to shape the city. There’s a lot here about growth, alteration, corruption, demise, and new beginnings. In some lights, perhaps what applies in this context can be transferred elsewhere, painting a broader picture of the American landscape, rife with the polarized hues of both love and scathing anger. Set to an array of punk influences, every song on the record is crafted around the personification of specific local landmarks or buildings. Each structure is an on looking character, telling its own version of the city’s narrative.
credits
released November 11, 2014
Great Apes are:
Brian Moss: vocals and guitar
Rob Carter: vocals and guitar
Ryan Marshall: vocals and bass
Matt Kadi: drums
"Playland at the Beach" was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Jack Shirley at the Atomic Garden in June 2014.
Design and layout by Matthew Kadi.
Cover photo granted via permission by the San Francisco Public Library.
supported by 7 fans who also own “Playland at the Beach”
It's fantastic when a three piece band sounds so full and vibrant, but when the drummer is the lead singer; it's just fuckin amazing. Great band, one of the best albums out this year for sure. When they come through your town, do not miss it. Ryan Hatfield
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