Fans went downtown to get a sneak peek of the band’s new alternative pop album
By EMMA CONDIT — city@theaggie.com
On May 21, Armadillo Music, downtown Davis’ premiere record store, hosted a free listening party of Wallows’ new album “Model.” The store, which happens to be owned by Davis Mayor Josh Chapman, gained access to the album two days prior to its release, so attendees got an early peek into the unreleased music.
The event was primarily organized by Armadillo’s Assistant Manager Nick Rocci in collaboration with Record Store Day, a national organization that celebrates local, independent record stores. Alongside facilitating special events like this one across the country, the organization also celebrates Record Store Day each year on a Saturday in April.
Paul Vilbur, the manager of Armadillo Music, shared that in the era of Amazon and online streaming services, he enjoys listening parties because they show how many people enjoy the same music.
“They’re talking with each other about the music,” Vilbur said. “That’s the community stuff that my generation grew up with — talking music with the person who’s browsing next to you.”
Vilbur explained what makes Davis a special place to have a record store.
“We have a great community here because Davis residents are somewhat transient,” Vilbur said. “They buy 20 records from me and then four years later when they move away, they sell me back 15 and we can find used records.”
Rocci feels gratified to see how excited customers are when they find their favorite album in physical form. He thinks that live, communal listening parties have a similar effect.
“So many people just want to listen to a record,” Rocci said. “Something that helps a lot in keeping music alive is teaching and showing what records are, how they work […] That’s the best thing ever is people feeling it for the first time, physical music.”
Wallows’ album, while it brought many people together, received mixed reviews from its advanced listening.
Anne Saltel, a third-year community and regional development major, was not blown away by the album.
“I think their sound is very similar to their previous album, kind of derivative, but the vibes were good,” Saltel said. “It was a little more upbeat than their previous stuff.”
Vilbur enjoyed the album for its indie, youthful sound.
“I’m more of a heavy metal guy — Wallows [isn’t] necessarily the most metal band I’ve ever heard — but it was still cool,” Vilbur said. “Honestly, I’m older and hearing stuff that’s current with the younger demographic is really good for me.”
Kristen Mok, a third-year sociology organizational studies major, thinks that the album came just in time for summer.
“It had some social hangout music perhaps: kickback tunes, a hotdog by the pool, a good song for a summer barbecue,” Mok said.
Armadillo Music will host many more free listening parties to come, co-hosts Bikes and Beats every month and will be a venue at Davis Music Fest from June 14 to 18. It’s also open daily for patrons to peruse a wonderfully wide selection of records.
“It’s a place where people can come and hang out and meet other music-minded people,” Vilbur said. “Yes we need to be profitable and we need to sell stuff, but at the same time [the owners] are just as equally concerned about having a place for local music and where people can gather with their friends.”
Written by: Emma Condit — city@theaggie.com
