Deal With It
The Frenettes: an actual band with an actual CD
I’m not entirely certain when my interview with The Frenettes actually began. In fact, I’m not really sure that I ever asked a single question, though I now know more about members Eric Rykal, Paul Brandt, Trevor Ives, and Davy Sumner than I think necessary. When all four walked into my living room this past rainy week to chat about their upcoming debut EP Deal With It, they were already in mid-conversation and I stumbled to keep up with the banter and laughter throughout the session. Though I followed their train of thought from umbrellas to The Beatles, I never quite caught onto the debate regarding proper times to wear socks; I felt on the outskirts of an incredible inside joke.
“The moment this is no longer all aloof and jokey and fun like this, we need to get out.” – Frenettes’ guitarist Trevor Ives
It seems that I am not the only one. Though the band began collaborations last December, The Frenettes are just now gaining credibility in the Eau Claire music scene. “We’ve all had someone come up to us and say, ‘Wow, this is really a thing? You guys actually do shows?’” said Brandt (bass). As previous members of Meridene, Cranes and Crows, and The Gentle Guest, the eventual union may surprise some, but from their perspective it seemed only natural. While previous collaborations felt forced and restricted, this time around, the guys are in it purely for love of the music. “The moment this is no longer all aloof and jokey and fun like this, we need to get out,” said Ives (guitar).
Though their songs may be the offspring of punch-drunk meetings, they are far from jokes themselves. The Frenettes push undeniably catchy, upbeat tunes strongly reminiscent of early ‘90s punk. “I think our only criteria for songs is that it has to be rock music and sound like it’s something from 1990 to 1999,” said Ives. With their ability to pen clever lyrics and perform with everlasting energy, it’s easy to see how it took the band less than a month to collaborate on over 13 songs, including the six featured on Deal With It. After only a few performances, they have already developed a tidy following. “I noticed that at our second show, some people already knew the words to our songs, which is great, because I don’t even know all of the words to some of our songs,” said Sumner (drums).
Between a discussion on the repercussions of watching Spongebob and a lecture on proper mascara application, The Frenettes acknowledged their spirited and smooth writing process. “So far,” said Rykal (guitar), “whoever takes the lead and writes the song sings the song, but we are open to… suggestion from other members.” Though Deal With It features the talents of drummer Zach Hanson, the band knew from the get-go his inclusion was a quick fix and the addition of a new drummer was already planned. While Sumner joked he was the fourth round draft pick and was only allowed in because he had a garage in which to practice, they all know this isn’t true. His dynamic presence (and ability to keep up with the off-handed joking) only helps take The Frenettes to an even higher level.
Our conversation eventually ended with the members singing some Phil Circle songs and taking to my piano to sing a tune in the style of Meatloaf – which, weird as it started, was unbelievably awesome. Whether or not their personalities can be taken seriously is absolutely up for debate, but there is no question that great things are in store for this foursome.
The Frenettes EP release show is set for June 29 at 10:30pm at the Mousetrap. Deal With It releases July 3 and can be purchased at Revival Records and The Local Store.
