The Capsules

Reverser
(2002 Urinine)
Local Artist

By: Fadil El Mansour (Lawrencerock.com Punk/Hardcore Editor)

If my memory is exact, on January 6th of last year, I made my way down to the Bottleneck along with a friend to watch the Appleseed Cast play with Everest and the Capsules. It was the time of year when Lawrence is basically dead for a couple weeks, so we jumped at every opportunity to watch a good show and share a pitcher of beer in the warmth of the Bottleneck. That evening, however, was suddenly interrupted by an invitation to leave the building due to the X’s on my hands; we were soon back out in the cold! But in the midst of all of this, I wasn’t terribly bothered, for I had just witnessed the brilliant musical performance of new local band the Capsules. Instead of upset at my plight, I felt relaxed and satisfied, which was a rather odd attitude to adopt after being kicked out of the Bottleneck. It wasn’t until a year later that I understood the serenity of that evening. The understanding came when I played Reverser, the recently released debut album of the Capsules.

The Capsules (Julie and Jason Shields from Shallow and Texas native Kevin Trevino who has played with the Kansas City Symphony) are not your average Lawrencian musicians, and Reverser will prove it. “A Place to Stay”, the first track of the album, sets off the mood before the music even starts with the soothing sound of waves crashing on the beach, and an atmosphere reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s High Hopes, inviting you to sit back and close your eyes throughout the entire recording. This feature makes Reverser one of those albums that you just cannot interrupt without the feeling you haven’t finished something.

The Capsules give the classic guitar, bass and drums combination a whole new definition. It is a constant dialogue between Jason’s directing bass work - coupled with various effects here and there – and Julie’s soothing vocals which she complements with ornamental and delicate guitar play. Kevin Trevino’s simple, but carefully controlled drum/percussion work keeps a very precious rhythm going without disturbing in the least the serenity, and sometimes the “mystery” of the songs. In that respect I think “Goodbye Now”, the sixth track on Reverser, is a perfect example of the brilliant combination the Capsules have put together for the pleasure of our ears and also our visual minds.

There is a special ingredient in The Capsules' debut album. It makes the images that our brain visualizes in association with the music even more vivid and shapes them more precisely. It may be the clever combination of the lyrics and various sound effects as in “A Place to Stay” (crashing waves) or “Bee Keeper”. It could also be due to the somewhat mysterious, dark atmosphere generated by the songs (Goodbye Now, Reverser). Whatever it might be, The Capsules manage, hands down, to stimulate our senses and immerse us in their carefully written music, which makes Reverser one of those records that you just cannot play if you don’t have time for all of it.

Julie, Jason and Kevin knew it all along. You get a hint of it as soon as you go through the track list: the last track is “Reverser”, basically meaning that you're starting all over again, back to track 1. The progression of the theme through the song titles and the lyrics follows a cycle of feelings; a story in which the songs are the chapters. The opening tracks, “A Place to Stay” and “I'll be the One”, seem to communicate a positive desire for emotional stability ("Carry me … My heart will find a place to stay"). By tracks 5 and 6, “Lift Off” and “Goodbye Now”, there is a clear mind change and feelings move on gradually as we make our way through the album. The concluding tracks, “When You Were Young” and “Reverser”, denote regret, a look back at the past, a wish to start all over again and, once again, the desire for stability. This brings us to track 10 and draws our finger towards the Play button again (or the Repeat button if you're a maniac).

The Capsules' debut album, as a result, becomes a rather precious one, which could be a problem for those, like me, who love Reverser but have very little time to enjoy it the way it should be enjoyed: sitting back comfortably and riding it straight through. Reverser may also sound a bit difficult to absorb for those used to a more garage-indie sound, for it is delivered with high-quality recording and vocals that may sound too perfect for some. And while I'm speaking about perfection, I'd like to state that my knowledge in music is not the best and all the specifics I brought up in my review may prove to be blatantly wrong by a better critic. I can, however, praise myself for recognizing good music when I hear it, and The Capsules' Reverser holds a very special place in my CD collection, and might soon do so in yours.

Editors note: An interview with the Capsules will be up shortly, so check back.