At face value this album is pretty solid. Appearance, it's everything one would ever want, great cover work, free sticker, liner notes with lyrics! and most importantly it's the paper version, which includes the plastic stomp!Musically it does differ from their previous releases, Chutes to Narrow (2003) and Oh! Inverted World (2001). The first track greatly mirrors the oddity of the opener of their 2001 release, Oh! Inverted World called "Caring is Creepy". The strange techno sound is complimented by the calm vocals of James Mercer. Although this track doesn't pick up until the three-quater point, the sound remains delicate, however it has a rock quality to it, that only this band could produce.The one word to describe this album would be 'cute'. Definately soundtrack worthy, each track has a likable hooks that will eventually draw in royalty after royalty. The single in which they chose to be their debut release is one of the stronger tracks, "Phantom Limb". It's catchy and has a defined drumline, and melodies that reflect the work of more classic rock artists, like the Zombies or slight reflections of the Beach Boys. This album is a solid release, except the overuse of 'cute' sounds and studio techniques has taken their sound to an unnecessary extreme. This dynamic sound they established six years ago was distinct and drew they apart from other artists with similar sounds. I read in many review that James Mercer said that they discovered so many techniques and the studio and would not likely be able to replicate the sounds in the live show. Now, i'm sure they'll pull through because they put on an excellent show, but what does this mean? All in all, production is a little intense... they should stick to sweet melodies and that dancable rock sound they managed to refine of Chutes to Narrow.Download:
Sleeping Lessons or Phantom Limb.
January 28, 2007
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