The Dream of the 90's is Alive on Stoner Control's "Foregone Conclusion" (KEXP Premiere)

There is an introverted spirit coursing through the music of Stoner Control. The Portland trio – comprised of guitarist/vocalist Charley Williams, bassist/sometime-vocalist Sam Greenspan, and drummer Michael Catchart – are very good at penning summery, hair-swinging rock tunes, don't get me wrong. Indebted to the days of affable college radio almost-hits (complete with quiet/sorta-loud/quiet song structure), more is managed on "Foregone Conclusion" at medium volume than a good number of bands could do with their volume knobs knicked past 11. The song is pop-friendly nearness to the loosey-goosey allure of early Pavement; Greenspan and Catchart as a rhythm section are tight, but not so tight as to where the gears start breaking, while Williams' guitar purrs and whinnies politely. The latter's vocals on this particular song evokes Doug Martsch being one warning away from being kicked out of the library, singing of skipping work having a binge watch session on a lazy afternoon. It's bright and infectious enough to serve as the perfect late summer joyride anthem to forget about the encroaching school year.

Williams had these words to say about the track:

"This is one that could have easily fit on the [self-titled] last record. I think it’s just a better version of what we were trying to do then. The song really came together when Mike had the idea to add a piano part. When the piano kicks in it’s one of my favorite moments on the record, and I definitely would not have thought of it on my own. I also am pretty happy with who the vocals turned out on this one. Death Cab for Cutie is my favorite band so I take great joy in throwing in some 'ba-ba-ba’s' whenever I can. I also like the lyric about watching TV until your eyes start to bleed."

Listen to "Foregone Conclusion" below. Their upcoming album Alone In The City is out Aug. 31, pre-orders are available now.