‘Standards’ is the culmination of everything that Evan Weiss, the brain behind Into It. Over It., has been working towards since his ambitious ’52 Weeks’ project in 2009. His connection with Josh Sparks is palpable throughout. They push each other as musicians and as artists and the result is a wonderful record.
Recorded directly to tape as a requirement to recording with John Vanderslice, ‘Standards’ boasts an unrivalled warmth and depth. Opening track ‘Open Casket’, a delicate, intricate introduction to the Weiss/Sparks era sounds, contains just an acoustic guitar, minimal use of electronics, light piano, and delicate brush-playing. It is in this restraint that ‘Standards’ really excels. There is no sense of rushing, no sense of churning out songs just because they need to put out a record. Weiss and Sparks challenge themselves throughout.
‘Closing Argument’ exemplifies the interplay between the two, with Weiss’ guitar intertwining and lacing its way in and out of Sparks’ innovative drumming. During the introduction to ‘No EQ’, Sparks’ drums rush and roll over the electronic intro and get hearts beating and toes tapping, whilst on the double header of ‘Adult Contempt’ and ‘Required Reading’ he showcases a mastery of his rudiments. His drumming in ‘Adult Contempt’ could go down as one of the best drumming performances in recent years.
‘Vis Major’ is evidence of Weiss’s skill for pop songs, filled with hooks and catchy choruses, engaging lyrics and superb guitar work. What is remarkable about ‘Standards’, though, is the way that the slower songs, such as the heart breaking one-two punch of ‘Your Lasting Image’ and ‘Old Lace & Ivory’, don’t ever feel unwelcome, even when coming after blisteringly fast-paced numbers.
‘Who You Are ≠ Where You Are’ is a wonderful exhibition of the chemistry between the pair. Sparks’ left hand ghosts the snare whilst Weiss’ fingers wind their way up and down the frets before the end of the song breaks down into a gloriously distorted finish. Previously released ‘Anesthetic’ is beautiful, with Weiss delivering an understated masterclass. His voice is stronger than ever before. ‘The Circle Of The Same Ideas’ closes the record in classic Into It. Over It. style: just Weiss, his guitar and a few incidentals.
‘Standards’ marries the best parts of Into It. Over It., the heart breaking lows and ecstatic highs, in the most realised and genuine way that Weiss has ever managed. It takes the best bits of ‘Proper’ and the most artistic bits of ‘Intersections’ and moulds them into perfect coexistence.