First unsigned review! Exciting.
I don’t know anything about this band, really, so you probably don’t either. I was turned onto them by their producer/engineer, Shane O’Connor, and from the band’s MySpace, I’ve gleaned that this is their debut LP, tracked in some upscale Boston-area studios and featuring accompaniment from oboes, clarinets and a full string section.
My first instinct is to compare them to The National for a few obvious reasons – the orchestral flourishes, upbeat-yet-understated rhythm section and, most obviously, vocalist M.’s dryly-emotive baritone. Songs like “Palace of Owls” and “Macaw” elucidate this comparison. There also hints of darker Cure/Joy Division influence.
Yet, as a whole, the quartet falls short on their less-than-stellar first offering. There are a lot of things working against them: clunky and poorly-executed performances, aimlessly gloomy songcraft and a generally awkward mixing job keep a talented band with great potential from blending into a true showcase of their unique brand of expressionist indie rock. For what its worth, the album is cohesive, even if it’s awkwardly paced and deceptively front-loaded with the more upbeat numbers. Some enhanced studio polish and more attention to detail could elevate this band from bland and unmemorable to truly captivating. There’s room for growth, but fortunately, they’re on the right track. Actually, I bet they’d be pretty good live, in the right setting – if you’re into this sort of thing.
Overall: 4/10
