90s Hidden Gems: Weezer's Side Project, The Rentals

ALBUM OF THE DAY:

The Return of the Rentals (1995)

The Rentals was a small side project band formed by Matt Sharp and Patrick Wilson of Weezer. The band also consisted of Tom Grimley (keyboards), Rod Cervera (guitar), and Petra Haden on violin and vocals. Petra’s sister Rachel also joined the band for vocals. Most Weezer fans will recognize Rachel Haden’s voice because she also sang vocals with Weezer later on the 1996 album Pinkerton (“I Just Threw Out The Love of My Dreams”).

Their one hit song from the album, “Friends of P.”, actually made it all the way to MTV! After The Return of the Rentals, Matt and Patrick went back to focusing on Weezer, releasing their famous album Pinkerton almost a year later. The band continued recording and working sporadically, cycling through many different members throughout that time, releasing their other albums in 1999, 2014, and 2020.

The unique mixture of male and female vocals in this band, plus the old school 80s style keyboard and synths make this album a unique project during the time the album was released. (1995) It has a very old school sound that resonates in each song with the synthesizers and guitar. The unique harmony choices with the vocals also gives the album a sound that was unique for the time as well. Patrick's drums on this album reflect the similar Weezer sound, mixed with some unique fills and ideas. In the song "Naive", for instance, there is an interesting tom fill that almost makes you think of someone skipping, the way the beat rules the tempo and rhythm of the song. I really appreciate bands that take those risks. There's lots of albums that have created music in this genre but didn't take risks. I think it's important for musicians to take risks, and I can appreciate how The Rentals experimented with their sound on this album.

Due to the band's obscurity, it has a pretty small group of niche fans who are obsessed with Weezer and also enjoy hearing those twangy 80s sounding moogs...and I have to say, I am one of those niche fans. I often recall sitting in my bedroom on sunny summer afternoons and listening to "My Summer Girl". I couldn't help singing along with the female vocals every time I listened to it.

The Return of the Rentals is like photograph or snapshot of this band that went into a recording studio and made this album that is not only catchy and enjoyable to listen to, but also an open experiment. I feel like they took a lot of musical liberties and tried a lot of different things, and that shows in everything from the sound effects, the ambiance of the album, and the excellent musicianship. It is clearly a memorable project on the journey of this band.

The best tracks from this album, in my opinion, are “The Love I’m Searching For”, “Friends of P”, “My Summer Girl”, and “Brilliant Boy” . Each song carries with it a similar sound, but the lyrics and the emotion created in each song is what makes it great. I also think something has to be said for the guitar on this album. The heavy sound contrasts the violin in this way that is so complimentary.

Overall, I give the album a 6/10. It’s not the best, and you can tell the budget for the recording was low, but it definitely has a unique and memorable sound, and it’s an album I enjoy listening to. When you are in the mood for Weezer but “not exactly Weezer”, I recommend giving this album a listen. 👍