When listening to genres like surf punk, I expect songs to create an easygoing, carefree and upbeat vibe. Fortunately, “Blah Zay Splah” by local band Twin Falls meets my expectations.

Last spring, the band consisting of two members Ethan Cook and Oakland Post Campus Editor Connor McNeely officially started. The two met a few years ago in a class they had together at Oakland University. After hanging out and playing music, Cook, singer and self taught guitarist, approached McNeely, singer and drummer with the idea of creating a band.

The name Twin Falls was inspired by a combination of each band member’s interest. The first influence came from an indie band named Twin Peaks, which is a favorite of both guys. Additionally, McNeely’s appreciation for waterfalls influenced the name. He has visited numerous waterfalls statewide, specifically those nicknamed Twin Falls.

“Me and Ethan started the project together, just the two of us,”  McNeely said. “So we thought that would also be a good idea because the twins is a play on the two of us.”

The band released its first song on Friday, Oct. 13, “Blah Zay Splah.”

The inspiration behind the song title came from a phrase commonly used at McNeely’s previous job. “Blah Zay Splah,” meaning “blah blah blah,” represents the song’s free-spirited vibe.

“I thought it was funny and [I] try to write creative song names because I feel like the title is half the battle in the songwriting,” McNeely said. “Whether it has anything to do with the lyrics or not, it’s another writing opportunity.”

The song opens with McNeely playing the drums and singing, while Cook plays the rhythm, lead and bass guitar. The instruments alone in the beginning of the song are amazing. Typically, when I’m listening to a song, I initially judge it within the first 10 seconds. In that time I hope to really become captivated by the instrumental, because that is what keeps me wanting to listen more. I’m happy to say that Cook and McNeely really managed to spark my interest in the song from the very beginning.

Written by McNeely, “Blah Zay Splah” is a fun song with lyrics that reflect an inside joke shared by he and his friends. In the lyrics, the band includes a message that represents time spent with a friend who passed away. After repeatedly listening, I came to find that the vocals, guitar and drums all combined together so well and created a really nice sound that simply flows. The best part of the music is it’s natural sound.

The members of Twin Falls have really put their talent to work in “Blah Zay Splah” and I encourage anyone who simply enjoys and appreciates music to check it out. When asked about which part he most enjoys about being in a band, Cook expresses that he enjoys the process of making the music as a team.

According to Cook, his favorite part of Twin Falls is, “being able to hear the songs that I have written on guitar, coming out and seeing what Connor does on drums and the vocals he has. It’s fun to just be apart of the process.”

“Blah Zay Splah” by Twin Falls can be found at https://twinfallsmi.bandcamp.com/releases