The multi-layered vocals and old school pop riffs of ‘Hello-Hello’ makes it apparent right from the start that The Transpersonals worship at the altar of The Beatles. But, if you’re going to take pointers from someone, then why not take them from one of the greatest pop bands of all time? This ethos certainly works for The Transpersonals, as they’re so old-fashioned that you’d be hard pressed to find another modern-day band who sounds quite like them.
Opening track ‘Hello-Hello’ seems to have an entire choir of vocalists at its disposal, all contributing Beatles-esque pop vocals. Piano flourishes, psychedelic synths and finger-slicking sound effects put the final polish to this blast-from-the-past, perfectly-crafted pop song.
‘Coming Through You’ sees The Transpersonals churning out a haze of distorted vocals spiked with prominent drumbeats and indie riffs. However, this edge quickly dissolves into a style-over-substance fug of pleasantly blurry vocals, and not much else. It’s an easy enough listen, but you’ll begin to lose patience when it becomes clear that ‘Coming Through You’ isn’t about to pick up the pace.
‘Silver Star’ has a solid backing beat of sparse but distinctively tinny chords, with slick electro effects giving it a modern twist. However, vocally, this is one strange song. 99% of the vocals are made up of the mind-boggling mantra “you’re a silver star” repeated over and over by a warbling female vocalist. Extra vocal layers are quickly blended in until the whole thing culminates in a storm of hysterical shrieks that’s highly unpleasant to listen to. Even worse is the manic laughter that follows. There’s really no excuse for including laughter in any song, ever. Occasional exclamations of “magic!” and “yeah” are played over the shrill vocals in a manner so self-consciously cool, it’s cringe-worthy.
It’s frustrating, as ‘Silver Star’ has originality in abundance and some interesting ideas. The vocals could have been pleasantly trippy if they weren’t repeated until you think they’re about to push you over the edge, and the backing music is effortless old school cool. Ultimately, ‘Silver Star’ is just the same three shrill, meaningless words, repeated far too many times.
‘Twenty Twelve’ is very different from the rest of this demo. It still has those multi-layered vocals, fuzzed just slightly to retain the band’s trademark psychedelic sound. However, ‘Twenty Twelve’ is far more rock-orientated, with a brilliantly dizzy central riff acting as an immediate hook into this kooky rock song.
The Transpersonals certainly have their own sound, which would be a wholly positive thing if they knew where the line was between ‘unique’ and ‘self-indulgent.’ ‘Coming Through You’ is limply psychedelic, like a come-down committed to record, and ‘Silver Star’ takes everything that makes The Transpersonals different, and then just exaggerates them until they’re impossible to listen to. However, ‘Hello-Hello’ is a bubblegum pop song with serious retro charm, and ‘Twenty Twelve’ is a dizzy rock song you won’t be able to get out of your head.
Overall, this demo is a hit and miss affair, but when The Transpersonals hit the mark they manage to sound quite unlike anyone else putting out music today, and when they miss it completely, then, at least they’re not boring.
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The Transpersonals - Hello-Hello (EP)
