San Diego, California’s 10-19 and the Number Men have kept busy since the release of their debut Ep, Spokes, in January of 2021. And with their latest — a self-titled full-length, via IOIC records, the band is in fine form.
11 songs in total, the album spins like a roulette wheel of sentiment — unpredictable and surprising — casually rotating from one reference point to another.
Whether it be the psychedelic stylings of ‘Free Rack,’ with its hallucinogenic synth squeals, or the improvised feel of ‘Say Man’ and the hot-blooded vocals that bookend it, they not only explore a plethora of ideas — blending sounds and motifs into a singular approach — but they seem to be having a blast doing it.
So, even with their polished playing and incisive songwriting 10-19 and the Number Men’s first proper LP still feels lite. An inspired body of work, tailor-made for adventurous listeners — all done without pretense, so free and easy, they don’t even sound like they’re breaking a sweat.
J Smith: Vocals
Brian Scafidi: Drums, Percussion, Engineering
Sean Burdeaux: Bass, Synth, Guitar
Joel Williams: Keys, Brass
Executive Producer - Joel Williams & Brian Scafidi
Produced by Magic Point
Recorded at Mountain View Studios
Mastering - Magic Point