The Northeast Collective – Learning, Slowly
The Long Island native band, The Northeast Collective, released their debut full length album, Learning, Slowly in early 2018. The band was created by Chris Prestamo. It began as a collaborative project with 26 musicians who all live in the Northeast. The album is represented by 10 bands; 32 Pints (NY), Trade Winds (NY), Keep Flying (NJ), The Concussion Theory (VA), Floor Space (PA), Us & Them (TN), Hold Fast Hope (NY), Taytro (NY), JFK and The Assassins (NY) and Amber Lamps (NY). With 26 musically gifted people collaborating on this album, it’s no surprise it is such high quality!
The Northeast Collective kicks the album off with Connie, the second single released in support of the album. This song is a great way to start off, as the introduction of the drums and guitar riff that start the song sets the pace for the album. Chris Prestamo’s vocals in this song immediately show off his talent, as he is able to keep his voice in tune perfectly with the changing chords of the songs. “I know that your pettiness is a front, to mask the gaping hole in your heart, well know I know, and I know you never will, oh, and I’ll never get the chance to tell you, Connie, you’re killing me!” It is the ideal catchy song to hook the listener into the album.
Connie is followed by Growing up Too Fast, my personal favorite song from the album. I love the varying instrumentals on this track. The verses have a slower guitar riff that picks up towards the end of the verse and leads into a faster paced chorus. What is really cool is the “breakdown” that is heard on this track. The change of guitar style is a clear representation of the varying musical minds that were part of this project. The song tells the story of the struggles of young love; thinking you have it all figured out only to realize that none of those things may ever come to be. “I had a list of things to do, because we had plans and apartments picked out, I had a job and some money saved up, but don’t act like you weren’t afraid, whenever there were people around, you went back on the things we cried about, on the phone, all alone, so in love. We were so in love.”
Songs such as Macken and Nino’s Pizza, tracks four and five on the album, emulates the style of songs heard on some songs by fellow Long Island band, Brand New. The slow paced strum of the guitar, minimal drums and emotional vocals on both of these songs will make them fan favorites. I love that the end of each of these songs highlights the harder side of the band, especially in Nino’s Pizza, as the band rocks out for the final minute of the song.
The Northeast Collective has made Learning, Slowly an emotional album. From start to finish, the album discusses the trials and tribulations of relationships, something that basically everyone can relate to. You can hear the raw emotion and personal undertones in songs like Sex Ruins Everything, I Make Mistakes, and Thoughts and Memories. “But the thoughts and memories they fill my head, and I can’t escape the thought, that you were the girl that grew my heart, even if you never know.” That chorus accompanied by the fast paced instrumentals that follow it make the song an album favorite, and one that will be on repeat on the blog’s Spotify playlist for weeks to come!
I originally wrote about The Northeast Collective a little while back because I was fascinated with the concept of the band. The idea of 26 musicians all working together on one album and being able to do so successfully captivated me. You always hear about bands having issues with each other during the writing and recording process and that’s only 4 or 5 guys. The fact that Chris Prestamo has been able to get 26 musicians from bands of different styles to work together to put out this exceptional album is a testament to what Chris and the rest of these musicians are capable of. Now I just have to catch The Northeast Collective live! Make sure to grab a copy of their debut album, Learning, Slowly!