In the hub-bub of 21st century life, how can the Diskettes get away with playing such seemingly simple, innocent pop ditties? It might have something to do with their lifestyle – beach bums, suckers for some good ol’ Montreal poutine, they are basically fun-loving, no-nonsense indie kids. Released on Toronto’s hot blocksblocksblocks recordings, the Diskettes sophomore effort is about as pure pop as you can get. Weeknights at Island View Beach features Emily’s voice and shakers, David’s acoustic guitar and vocals and Maggie’s percussion – a simple formula that works.
Although clearly in the vein of indie-pop, the Diskettes also take a cue from 1950s and 1960s doo-wap, pop, surf rock and other genres will make you nostalgic for an era twenty years before you were born. Weeknights at Island View Beach is all young puppy love, 50s interiors, bed pans, palm trees, sailboats, museums, string quartets, public libraries, cups of tea and Canada. Recorded in various locations, including a radio station, New York stage and Vancouver beach, the importance of place is something that runs right through the record.
While envelope pushing is not in full effect on Weeknights at Island View Beach, it earns integrity through the strong songwriting. Tracks such as ‘End Points’ are deceptively simple, with complex harmonies that reveal themselves after a few listens. Lyrically, Weeknights at Island View Beach tells of love and friendship on rugged islands and indie rock shows, painting a vivid picture of the people and situations that mark the Diskettes world. Themes of longing are also quite prevalent. In the opener ‘Get! Together!’ Emily and David sing in unison, “My mind has come undone, unbound, unable to get by/It’s simple and true and I can’t help thinking of you.”
I was about to invoke some cliché about this being the fun, feel-good record of the summer. Really, any time of the year is right for this nugget. Whether washing dishes, digging a ditch or conducting research for your dissertation, Weeknights at Island View Beach will work for you. Perhaps the perfect compliment (or antidote) to our psych-folk pervaded little indie world.
