Though that original roster has been almost completely revamped, the current lineup upholds Curtains’ decorated warhorse tradition with the loaded résumés of guitarist John Grimaldi (Commonplace, Grave Return), drummer Patrick O’Neal (My Hotel Year, History, Sick Dogs) and bassist Eric Bass (Lost Time Accident, Loose Touch).
The sole constant in the group has been bandleader Mike Levin (The New Lows, Shyster, Sunday Morning Revival). More than the changes in their ranks, it’s the changes in Levin that’ve shaped Curtains’ sound on brand-new record The Far Shore, their first full-length album.
With songs that pair speed with soul, Curtains have always been on the more tuneful side of hardcore. But on The Far Shore, they’ve taken an even more melodic turn, sometimes veering away from punk altogether.
“Early Curtains angst was about dealing with my mom’s death,” says Levin. “Getting married a few years later and gaining a stepson, and then the birth of my daughter, have made my music more melodic, my life being in greater harmony. I’m happier.”
One thing his work across nearly all his bands has demonstrated, however, is that melody is instinctive to Levin. With its new outlook and sound, this album allows space not seen before in Curtains for this natural side of Levin’s songwriting to fully bloom. Punk’s not dead here, it’s just making welcome room for some rock reflection.
The Far Shore now streams everywhere. It’s also available on vinyl through Ashtray
Monument Records. Better yet, go see Curtains rip these songs live this weekend at Will’s Pub alongside Indiana’s Stop.Drop.Rewind, Maine’s Moments Of and New Orleans’ High.
Subscribe to Orlando Weekly newsletters.
Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | or sign up for our RSS Feed
This article appears in Oct 16-22, 2024.