#ithaca underground

By Sam Newman-Plotnick

Photo credit: Sophie Liu

Originally a solo folk-punk act, Shore Acres Drive has evolved into a heavier, more comprehensive and full-fledged three-man act. Recently, they have been featured in several local shows; S.A.D. opened for Cloud Nothings - an indie rock band from Cleveland - back in October of last year, along with Ithaca Underground’s Big Day In. Initially, guitarist Charlie Fraioli was leading his own musical project on the guitar, soon enticing bassist James Manton to enter the mix, and finally becoming Shore Acres Drive when Jake Burchard - the infamous Boston-bred drummer – hopped on the bandwagon. Charlie and Burchard are both Cornell students, while James is the anomaly - HAIL Ithaca College for their stellar source of musical talent!

 The trio’s dynamically rich sounds are indeed a breathtaking treat for band and audience members alike.

S.A.D’s newest EP Cabin starts with “Lobotomizertion” which absolutely stuns the crowd as Fraioli’s resplendent guitar chords invites the rest of the band to combine their post-rock and light-metal influences, ending in a boom of excellence. In the next song, “Fine”, the lyrical composition is lead by the steady drum and guitar work. The song eventually closes with Manton’s bass, dissolving into an abrupt silence.

The third track, “Rapture” radiates a constant effervescent beat. As the tune build up into an ambient-rock amalgam, the guitar struts along, while the drums never lose momentum. The atmosphere is one of cluttered harmony. 

“Rapture” culminates into something intrinsically beautiful. 

Drummer Jake Burchard segues the numerous guitar improvisations, creating a holistic sense of the song’s mood. A looming noise in the background rains over the meticulously talented plucking of James Manton on the bass. Charlie Fraioli’s guitar blends the song’s contents, giving a clean feel. Electronic beeping noises start fading in the background, bringing the song to a close.

Finally, in “Not Now, Ambien Walrus” - the last piece performed and arguably  the hit song - all three instruments work the best together. Charlie’s abstract guitar style is easily noticeable, and his voice works well. A wide range of high and low notes crisply complements the songwriting and allows for more crashing. By the middle-late segment of, its momentum keeps afloat and illustrates S.A.D.’s new style. While the sound is still influenced by the punk-emo movement, their new and emerging mood is now dominated by the clear, well-exhibited, vivid instrumentation.

Cabin takes away a spec of the folksy lyrical composition from Middle of Nowhere, and replaces it with a ballsier, sexier, and more polarizing approach. 

This weekend!

Shore Acres Drive (EP Release), Del Paxton, The Nudes, Teencat, _____ - Fri Feb 5 @ Watermargin