TELECOM is a new project from Brooklyn-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sean McVerry, meshing together 60's brit-pop and late 2000's indie grit. Marking their debut, the band is releasing two tracks, one released today, combining genius piano taps and groovy guitars to transport you back to a time before you were born.
"Ramon" and its counterpart were initially written and roughly produced in late 2020 in McVerry's home studio in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Both look at the pandemic and its emotional toll on everyone, the feeling of being isolated and trapped. TELECOM is comprised of McVerry on piano and vocal, Zeno Pittarelli on guitar, Jonathan Sacca on bass, Andres Valbuena on drums, and various other figures of the Brooklyn music scene.
Speaking on the single, McVerry says, "‘Ramon’ began with a free piano from Craigslist. After mining a ’70s drum break from my vinyl collection, I laid down the initial cassette tape demo of the song. The track thumps along a hypnotic groove, as the speaker romanticizes the cat in the courtyard, and the introspection that comes with isolation.”
The song starts out with a melodic piano that makes tension rise, then slowly transports into an upbeat lively tune. It is a feel-good track, utilizing groovy guitars and a drum beat that keeps the tempo to the right beat, allowing the listener to jump and dance. The piano adds a feeling of tension as he sings, "Where we gonna run to now?" McVerry's voice is higher and he hits all the right notes, making it very satisfying to listen to. "Ramon" and its lyrics are more down to earth, taking a good look at the pandemic, and how we all felt like we were going insane, "Drinking black coffee until you hit another astral plane."
It takes the listener on a ride, going up and down, but remaining at the same tempo. There is a change halfway through the song in the bridge, where there is a slowing down point, with just vocals and piano for a moment, making the listener feel nostalgic about the pandemic, and the feeling of being trapped. The video accompanying the song is also interesting to watch as it looks like you are watching it on your mom's old VHS tape, with blurry quality and saturated colors. It sees them on a stage performing, something that is basic but makes the viewer enjoy watching because it never stays in one frame for too long, and the group looks happy doing their own thing.
Although the song's lyrics are sadder, the upbeat feelings one gets when listening to the song make one forget its true meaning. Overall the song is well produced and has a lot going on, with ups and downs but still keeping that rhythm, and is something one should add to their summer playlists to feel good and dance around all night long.
McVerry can be found on social media as @seanmcverry.