The Sanctuaries – Not Guilty EP review

There are times when indie rock music may conjure a kind of laid-back soundtrack to life, with videos showcasing a variety of everyday activities, such as walking your dog, exploring your town, and/or hanging out. However if you’re a fan of such tunes set to a slightly faster beat, you may need look no further than The Sanctuaries’s Not Guilty EP.

The NYC-based band started off in 2010 when singer/guitarist David Stern and drummer Brian Indig were both musically-inclined Skidmore College students. Organ player Alex Northrup along with a variety of bass players soon joined the lineup. Soon after, the band self-released its first vinyl record. Northrup’s departure in 2011—right as they were beginning work on their first full-length album—would lead to a temporary break and a new member, Ross Edwards, as organ player. Shortly after, the band went on to release its eleven-tracked album Annette—written by David Stern—on January 7th 2012 under Mecca Lecca. With influences such as Yo La Tengo, The Byrds and The Clean, The Sanctuaries deliver a light-hearted pop-rock sound.

The Not Guilty EP will be released on August 28th 2012 under Mecca Lecca. The witty “Judging You Is Easy” was released both as a track and video—complete with cooking lesson and well-earned ping pong playing—on July 19th 2012. Of the EP’s eight tracks, five are remixed songs from their previous album Annette. The remixes carry a mix of ambient and house music influences resulting in dreamy undertones, providing an alternate way to enjoy the band’s pop-rock sound.

Erik Gundel’s remix of “Heaven Is A Mountain” has a laid back Caribbean island vibe thanks to its steel drums while the energetic house music sound of BILO Remix’s “House of Noise” easily makes it the EP’s most high-powered track. The acoustic “Hey Brooke” reflects yet another aspect of relationships through the longing for someone else.

Listeners keen on the alternative indie rock sound of bands like Real Estate, Outrageous Cherry and Beachwood Sparks will welcome The Sanctuaries among their music collection. With its blend of dance and rock influences, Not Guilty can be thought of as a more upbeat way to wind down.