Do you remember The Redwalls? It’s possible that you do, if you’re really into bands that try to exclusively sound like The Beatles. Don’t get me wrong, I listened to Universal Blues and enjoyed it as much as the next guy, but what are they REALLY doing? They are attempting to imitate the best and most influential band of all time as closely as possible.

Do you like Dr. Dog? Of course you do! It’s probably because they’ve used their late 60’s influences (The Band, Bob Dylan, The Beatles) to create a courageous blend of pop and rock that doesn’t counterfeit, but borrows the nostalgia of simpler times.

On their Dead Oceans debut Freedom Wind, The Explorers Club probably attempt the path of Dr. Dog and their 2007 LP We All Belong but instead follow the route of the Redwalls. The album doesn’t offer anything beyond a failed attempt at capturing the magic of The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds while managing to trivialize lyrical themes that Brian Wilson made beautiful and profound. The first single “Do You Love Me?” shows us that, although they can successfully replicate the style, The Explorers Club are unable to use the influence of The Beach Boys to forge something new and exciting.

Get the track after the jump.

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