Exciting Listen
The New Diplomat are a very international affair. Coming together in 2010 after the demise of various bands throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, the New Diplomats boast members from Belgium, Italy, Argentina, Uruguay and the US. With such an eclectic mix of nationalities making up the band it's a little surprising to discover such an American indie rock sound pulsing throughout their latest EP release, Buy Yourself Some Freedom an energetic and exciting collection of six songs that strut with a self confidence that is as appealing as their hook laden, melodic riffs.
Once We Were (Hooligans) slowly kicks things off for the San Francisco based band as a slow burn of beats and incessant riffs give way to a rousing blast of contagious indie rock. It's the Killers meets The Strokes with an almost nostalgic nod to 90s West Coast rock taking a touch of Jane's Addiction and mixing it with a hint of Nirvana sprinkled in between to give even more vibrancy to the mix, a cocktail that works for the band and something they retain throughout the EP. I.D throws in a rush of synths into the equation as the band veer slightly away from the radio friendliness of Once We Were (Hooligans) before the mellow beginnings of Self Spoken
Considering New Diplomat sound is not exactly innovative, there is an exciting allure resonating through the band's EP. Sure, they are not creating a new genre and there is a nostalgic edge residing in every track but still Buy Yourself Some Freedom is an exciting listen, one that certainly deserves your time and which will last with you long after the final track comes to an end.