Album Review: Untitled by It’s Raining
Alright, let’s talk about Untitled by It’s Raining—a little gem from 1986 that somehow slipped under the radar for most people but deserves a second look. This indie rock/new wave hybrid is like finding an old mixtape in your car’s glove compartment and realizing it’s way better than half the stuff on your playlist today. Released via Certain Records out of the US, this album has got some serious charm if you’re into raw, unpolished vibes with a touch of '80s flair.
First off, let me shout out the lineup here because they really brought their A-game. You’ve got Matthew Smith doing double duty on vocals and guitar—guy clearly didn’t sleep much during recording—and Stephan Vernier laying down dreamy keyboard lines that feel like neon lights at midnight. Then there’s Brian Salk holding it down on bass and Brad Ross Fairman keeping time on drums while Bill Potter and Matthew himself took charge as producers. Honestly, these guys sound like they were just vibing hard in a garage somewhere.
Now onto the tracks. I gotta say, “As If It Were Today” stuck with me big time. It starts off kinda mellow, almost whispery, then BAM—it hits you with this crunchy guitar riff that feels like stepping barefoot on Legos (in a good way). The lyrics are sorta vague but hit right where nostalgia lives. Like, yeah, we all have those moments we wish could loop forever, right? And when Matthew sings about losing something precious, man…you can tell he means every word. Feels real without trying too hard to be profound.
And how can I not mention “The Party She Cried”? This one slaps harder than expected. It’s upbeat enough to make you bob your head but sneaks in this bittersweet edge that catches you off guard. There’s something about the interplay between the keys and the rhythm section that makes it addictive—you know, one of those songs you keep humming even after the record stops spinning. Also, bonus points for the title; it’s quirky enough to stick in your brain like gum under a desk.
If I’m being honest, what stands out most about Untitled isn’t any single track or moment—it’s the vibe. Listening to this feels like stumbling across a secret party in some forgotten dive bar. Sure, nothing’s perfect—the production’s lo-fi, the mix could use a tweak here and there—but that’s kind of the point. These dudes weren’t aiming for perfection; they were chasing authenticity. And damn, did they nail it.
So yeah, maybe give Untitled a spin next time you’re feeling nostalgic for sounds that never quite fit into mainstream boxes. Oh, and fun fact: rumor has it the band broke up shortly after this release. Typical, huh? Just when things start getting interesting, life pulls the plug. Still, at least we’ve got this album to remind us that sometimes the best music comes from fleeting storms.
