Quince & 9th is a brand new band from San Diego, California. The four piece group formed less than a year ago. However, despite their short tenure they have already released their first EP. On the five-song set, “Clover Drive” the young West Coast rockers are forging their own unique path with a mix of Latin, Alternative and traditional Rock grooves.
“Clover Drive” is the sound of four guys having a great time playing together. The record has all of the energy of a gig. This may be a new band, but they certainly don’t sound like it. The straight-forward Rock & Roll arrangement of two guitars, bass, drums and vocals pops like a live show. The record is mixed that way too, with hard-panned guitars and without the encumbrances of any studio trickery. It is a lot of fun to listen to.
It works, because these guys can play. Eli (vocals/guitar), Adam (bass), Jesus (drums) and Marcos (guitar) move in lockstep with one another. Their groove is as tight as a band with years of experience. From the upbeat and funky “Devil & Queen” to the mellow ballad “Renaissance Dream,” Quince & 9th moves together as a single unit.
Theirs is a very California vibe. Their heartfelt Southwestern sound of jangly guitars and earnest vocals brings to mind late 80’s Alternative Rock legends, X. Like John Doe’s influential group of trailblazers, Quince & 9th incorporate elements of Rock and Rockabilly. And as you might guess from the band’s name, and the Spanish-language song “Mi Respuesta” (my answer), a Latino rhythm runs through the entire record.
Lyrically, the songs on “Clover Drive” chronicle the excitement and anxiety of young romance. Lead vocalist Eli delivers his tales of love and confusion with exactly the right mix of strength and vulnerability. Melodically the songs have a memorable simplicity that hearkens back to the early days of Rock & Roll, when the radio waves were full of short catchy songs a about a guy and his girl.
If their debut EP is any indication, Quince and 9th are a band to watch. You can hear their track “F.I.O” on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. Follow the links below to connect with the band. Stay in the loop on all of their current and future projects.