Anyone who played in bands in their younger days, or perhaps was just a frequent gig-goer, scenster or hanger-on, will recognise the time, place, attitude and atmosphere that Tamar Berk describes on “indiesleaze 2005.” Genre, geography, and even timelines might differ (mine was more mid-nineties and an ocean away), but the sense of being involved in a crazy, messy, musical adventure, one that might turn into a living, a hope-beyond-hope daydream, a fingers-crossed final roll of the dice before adulthood and responsibility caught up with you, is palpable.
“Indiesleaze 2005” not only tips its hat to such times, that mid-noughties indie golden age, but it cleverly also sounds as if it could have been an indie chart, underground contender at the time. But as nostalgic as the lyrics are, well, reflective at least, and as fitting to the times as the music is, it is also a song that fits perfectly into the here and now, proof that well-crafted, accessible, and intelligent songs never go out of fashion.
Lyrically, it is sharply observed, and musically it is contagious, full of spiralling cascades of guitars and raw, infectious groove, boogiesome beats, and cool confidence, reverb-soaked and resonant.
Taken from her current album, OCD, “indiesleaze 2005” is an anthem for anyone who jumped on stage, revealed in the creativity and camaraderie of the grassroots music world, and who did their growing up in public, or at least to 50 people in a sticky, dimly lit bar every weekend. Few made it big, some managed to stay in the game, and most settled into more secure lifestyles. But at least we were there, chasing our dreams, and we have the scars, the demo tapes, the posters, and the memories to prove it.
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