The Sound: “Our Eyes are Peeled” by The Fleeting Ends
The Proof: Rekorderlig Strawberry Lime Hard Cider
There are few things on this earth more refreshing than that first sip of a crisp, sparkling, hard cider, especially if that cider is a Rekorderlig. To get even more specific: a strawberry lime Rekorderlig.
I was first introduced to Rekorderlig, which is a Swedish brew, when I was studying abroad in England my senior year of college. I basically lived off the sparkling pink perfection. Every time I take a sip of it now, I am instantly transported back to my village in the East Midlands dancing to Brit Pop at the indie night club. Music and booze are so intricately connected. The proper drink can really enhance a listening experience, and vice versa. So what do I listen to when I am drinking a Rekorderlig, dreaming of England?
I listen to The Fleeting Ends’ sophomore release “Our Eyes Are Peeled.”
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“But they are a band from Philadelphia!” Is probably what you are writing in the comments section with great fervor. Yes, I know they are from Philadelphia, so let me explain why this is my OTP (one true pairing, for those of you who spend far less time on tumblr than I do.)
Our senses are so deeply rooted in memory and nostalgia that a simple smell or taste can take you back to a vivid and specific moment in time. Which, unfortunately, is why so many people have a drink that they once loved that they can no longer consume anymore. Or why songs or albums that are so precious to us are tarnished after a breakup. The Fleeting Ends’ have a deeply nostalgic sound. One that is familiar and comfortable, even if it is your first time listening to them. From the scratchy intro to “Little People” (track one off “Our Eyes Are Peeled”) which is the soundtrack to that road trip you always dreamed of taking, to the dreamy melody of “I’m Like That” (track three) which will remind you of all the hazy, sepia toned, good moments of your past relationships, all the way to “Sing, Groupie” (track 6) which is your dad’s favorite New Wave song, the album is a journey.
The Fleeting Ends’ have perfected the guitar pop sound, something that pairs wonderfully with the lightly fruity, effervescent experience that is a cold bottle of Rekorderlig. Neither Rekorderlig or The Fleeting Ends are from England, but they both remind me of those things. The Fleeting Ends’ because of their musical influences, bands like Blur, XTC and The Smiths, and Rekorderlig for the English’s love of hard cider. Something that, thankfully, the States are starting to embrace. The Fleeting Ends are as close to a Brit-Indie band as you can get without being English, and a Rekorderlig is the closest thing you can drink to actually being in Europe, without leaving our shores.
Strawberry and lime pair well together in a way similar to Matt Vantine and Matt Amadio’s voices do. Giving and taking from each other to create the best listening (and drinking) experience. Strawberry and lime are also a perfect mirror for TFE’s sound. Their melodies are sweet, bright and vibrant. They are addicting. They’re good for you. The lyrics are a bit darker, on their own they might be too real. But when layered with the melodies, they are easily digested. Sip after sip, track by track. It’s an infectious listening experience. Which is why it deserves to be paired with a libation just as infectious.
While MilkBoy Philly, where The Fleeting Ends are doing their residency every Wednesday in November, does not sell Rekorderlig you can still take the same journey by watching TFE perform live. And they do have Strongbow Gold, which I guess is better than nothing. Don’t worry though, I already put in a request for Rekorderlig in with the manager.
Article by: Erin Browne
