by Nathan Cardiff

Organized Crimes’ new seven-inch single begins with a New Wave-y dream; “Bel Ray Flats” gives us a floating synth groove and sinks right into a blissful pop experience. “They never what hit ‘em/Cause they never saw it comin’” the lyrics exclaim and that holds true for the four minute song. From the peppy drums matched with moody guitars to the vocoded vocals and the bright keys, “Bel Ray Flats” twists and turns just like your body will when you hear it. The most striking quality might be the shift in guitars from a gritty fuzz at the beginning to its concluding arena-rock shimmering riffs.

The b-side “You Knew It Already” sneaks in a dazzling bass line with the airy vocals coasting over it. Much like its counterpart, the track swings from dance driven to gentle strum; its has an underlying angst that gives its attractive pop a darker tone. Two solid singles from the Kansas City crew, leaving expectations high for their future full-length.

by Nathan Cardiff