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Art & Ransom (We Couldn't Even Believe What We Saw)
2/10/07 – 11 Tracks – 46:22 - Open Eye
Standout Tracks: “Pope of the City”, “Bird”, “Outside Folks”
We Couldn’t Even Believe What We Saw, local band Art & Ransom’s debut, opens so many doors for the future. With the musical span of the Arcade Fire, the variety in pace of the Shins, and a violin-infused style of their own, Art & Ransom’s debut is a solid one.
This music has a certain poignancy, and that’s what makes it a good listen. Guitarist Peter Moxley takes a break in most songs, only to be replaced by violinist Clara Brill, whose melodies perfectly complement everything. The violin adds another emotional dimension without being sappy at all. This album is worth listening to only because the music has such a solid support: Drummer John Moxley and (Menlo’s own!) Bassist Ben Joseph really make this album happen. The band’s guitar works so well because of what’s playing in the background: interesting drumbeats and basslines.
This album is so musically original and experimental, but it could be better if each song did not have the same form. The band’s formula is generally a rousing introduction followed by a generous handful of verses. Then, a break in the vocals, and either guitar or violin takes center stage as these musician’s demonstrate their prowess. Then, vocals jump in once more to lead each song to its dramatic conclusion. Most bands that follow one formula a dozen or so times on an album create, well, really boring albums. Even though most songs on this album follow this said formula, the band follows so many different paths to fulfill this single formula, and that’s why this formula works for Art & Ransom. That’s not to say that in the future, it would be nice to see a few more formulas added in. Another weakness is that at times, Singer Matty McBride’s
vocals take on a whiny quality (see “Outside Folks”). But disregarding those whiny phases, McBride’s voice adds a very personal touch.
Overall, Art & Ransom’s debut is a great way to enter the world of music, and I was surprised to find that such a David of a local band can produce music that rivals that of the nationally-known Goliaths.
Standout Tracks: “Pope of the City”, “Bird”, “Outside Folks”
We Couldn’t Even Believe What We Saw, local band Art & Ransom’s debut, opens so many doors for the future. With the musical span of the Arcade Fire, the variety in pace of the Shins, and a violin-infused style of their own, Art & Ransom’s debut is a solid one. This music has a certain poignancy, and that’s what makes it a good listen. Guitarist Peter Moxley takes a break in most songs, only to be replaced by violinist Clara Brill, whose melodies perfectly complement everything. The violin adds another emotional dimension without being sappy at all. This album is worth listening to only because the music has such a solid support: Drummer John Moxley and (Menlo’s own!) Bassist Ben Joseph really make this album happen. The band’s guitar works so well because of what’s playing in the background: interesting drumbeats and basslines.
This album is so musically original and experimental, but it could be better if each song did not have the same form. The band’s formula is generally a rousing introduction followed by a generous handful of verses. Then, a break in the vocals, and either guitar or violin takes center stage as these musician’s demonstrate their prowess. Then, vocals jump in once more to lead each song to its dramatic conclusion. Most bands that follow one formula a dozen or so times on an album create, well, really boring albums. Even though most songs on this album follow this said formula, the band follows so many different paths to fulfill this single formula, and that’s why this formula works for Art & Ransom. That’s not to say that in the future, it would be nice to see a few more formulas added in. Another weakness is that at times, Singer Matty McBride’s
vocals take on a whiny quality (see “Outside Folks”). But disregarding those whiny phases, McBride’s voice adds a very personal touch.
Overall, Art & Ransom’s debut is a great way to enter the world of music, and I was surprised to find that such a David of a local band can produce music that rivals that of the nationally-known Goliaths.
~Joe Pinsker
SCORE:4.5
SCORE: 6
Joe's Bottom Line: This local band can really play. You’ll be surprised to find that Art & Ransom’s music sounds as good as most bands you know – even though they’re still in high school.
SCORE:4.5
Duggal's Bottom Line: This CD is a great start for Art and Ransom, but they need to distinguish themselves from many of the other alternative bands out there. Song’s like Outside Folks and Authoritarian have great guitar riffs, but the vocals are below average. With some better lyrics, this band has the sound to go to the next level.
Duggal |
Latest page update: made by Duggal
, Mar 8 2007, 12:03 AM EST
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| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | ||
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| aaronros | give | 0 | Mar 29 2007, 2:14 AM EDT by aaronros | ||
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Thread started: Mar 29 2007, 2:14 AM EDT
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give me it joe... i like alternative with violin thrown in.
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