One Track Mind

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There isn’t a whole lot of history to speak of when it comes to Free Energy, a power-pop quintet from the City of Brotherly Love who just made their debut via a 7″ on DFA Records. However, one thing that is immediately clear from their eponymous premiere track is that Free Energy doesn’t conform to the tradition of acts which have defined the post-punky, dancefloor-friendly ethos of New York’s hippest, most cowbell-loving label. Instead, “Free Energy” is a poppy blast of summer recalling another proud tradition, that of 1970s AM radio rock. Where other DFA acts channel James Chance and the Contortions and Giorgio Moroder, Free Energy is giving their shout outs to Big Star and Matthew Sweet.

Apropos of their name, the enthusiasm in Free Energy’s performance is palpable even within the constraints of pop song conventionality. From the hammered guitar noodling which creeps up to the surface in a couple of places to the effective but never too-sweet vocal harmonies, “Free Energy” boasts enough flourishes without feeling over-layered. It is as though the band appreciates their songwriting within the context of the guilt-free, three and a half minute rock song, and never dares to muck things up by trying to get too cute with things.

“Free Energy” is perfect for the season: a healthy, invigorating slice of rocking out. Fans of everyone from Sloan and Superdrag to The dBs and Shoes should find something to love in this debut single.