The Oomph Music Blog

The Backyard Committee: A Hodge-Podge that Actually Works

Mar 142011

When Mike Sembos of Connecticut indie-rock band The Alternate Routes contacted me to let me know about his Other Band, The Backyard Committee, I have to admit I was a little wary. Here’s why:

“…part of the concept is a constantly rotating cast of musician friends, each who brings their unique voice to the project.” (quote from Mike Sembos)

When I see phrases like “constantly rotating cast,” I get the picture of a loose-knit collective of musician friends who are just getting together to jam–which is cool, and lots of fun, but usually doesn’t add up to making good records because as a general rule, there usually isn’t enough structure in it to make it work.

Meet the exception to the rule. This is a hodge-podge collective that actually works.

Yeah it’s a little sloppy in parts, but nothing like I would have expected. Yeah, it skates across a few genres (a fact which Sembo admits), but overall it stays close enough to the folk-Americana category that it doesn’t lose its audience. The end result is a sort of jam-session garage band you’d actually want to sit and listen to–like somewhere in Connecticut is this bunch of musician neighbors that get together for a barbecue or something, and actually sound really, really good.

And here’s the best part: you can download the whole album, right now–and forevermore–and you don’t have to pay for it. Says Sembo, “…[another] part of the band concept is that it doesn’t cost anything for anyone to own our music.”

So I’ve shared a couple of the tracks below to give you an idea about The Backyard Committee, but you can go to the band’s Bandcamp site and download the whole dang thing right now, for free. IMHO, it’s worth owning. And if The Backyard Committee ever decided to charge for the record, it would still be worth owning.

Alls I’ve got to say about it is if this is a backyard committee, this is a neighborhood I’d like to live in.

The Backyard Committee: “Red China”

The Backyard Committee: “25”

Or download the whole dang thing for free here.

Lindsay Aline: The Familiar and the New

album reviews 3 Responses »

Feb 252011

When I was contacted by someone from Lindsay Aline‘s team to review her 2009 self-titled record, I have to admit I was a little skeptical. Taking a look at the website and reading the self-written bio, I couldn’t help but think, Oh, great–another young girl who thinks she’s got it.

Yeah, I know it sounds jaded. You want me to be honest, right? (Chalk it up to a combination of first impressions and the fact that I really do wade through a lot of sub-par material to find the good stuff.)

So then I listened to the sample track, and I had another impression….what’s the word?…

Stunned.

Yes, that’s it. Stunned. Surprised. (Pleasantly surprised.) And put right in my place. This girl has got it.

So I wrote the guy back and said, “Yes, yes YES, please let me review the album.” (Actually, I was a bit more professional and collected. But still.)

Listening to Lindsay Aline’s record, I’m reminded of so many things, but with whole different spin. There are elements that remind me of Enya, Evanescence, a female Josh Groban, and just about any female singer on any recent Disney animated film–it’s a piano-driven blend of classical, pop, Broadway and just a bit of jazz, but done in a contemporary style that will definitely appeal to a wide audience. I kept feeling like I’d heard this girl before–but I knew I hadn’t actually heard this before. It’s a great combination of the familiar and the new. Well-produced, smartly arranged, and captivating.

That said, there’s only one glaring flaw I can find with the record. The track “Belong”? Doesn’t. Amid all these intriguing classi-pop sounds is this blase song in the middle that just kind of sits there and doesn’t fit the overall vibe of the rest of the album. At all. They’d do just as well to delete that song on any reprints of the CD, and they’d have a much more consistent and cohesive package.

Having said that, Lindsay Aline has demonstrated a solid vocal presence on this record, and tons of potential. It takes a lot of skill to successfully tackle this kind of genre-blending, especially with the classical elements involved. Because of the sheer magnitude of what she’s undertaking here, I can’t say Lindsay Aline has arrived–but she’s close. With a bit more maturity (both in sound and image), this girl has the makings of a world-class artist.

I’ve included the first track of the record, “Reach,” which I feel has the best of all the elements in the record. It’s also the track that won me over and got me to review the record in the first place. This album is definitely worth getting and listening to.

Lindsay Aline: “Reach”

Buy Lindsay Aline on iTunes:

Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors: “Someday” Is Now

album reviews 1 Response »

Feb 162011

Okay, so I’m a sucker for a great hook. I admit it. Don’t judge.

Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors is an up-and-coming indie-rock band, and hailing from Nashville, you can definitely hear the country sensibilities in their sound. But that’s not what won me over. The opening track on their brand-new record Chasing Someday had me at the first few bars. “Fire and Dynamite is a simple love song, very catchy–the kind of song that makes you want to drive with the top down. And definitely the best song they could have opened with–a powerful first impression. Take my word for it–this song is a hit in the making.

The rest of the record ain’t bad, either. Produced by Andy Hunt, with additional production credits by veteran Nashville producer Brown Bannister, Chasing Someday has great production value and plenty more catchy hooks. But don’t confuse “hooky” for shallow. While the record does suffer once in awhile from overly simplistic lyrics, there are also some really deep and moving moments. Besides “Fire and Dynamite”, personal faves of mine are “Live Forever” and the last song, “Weight of the World.”

Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors has been around for a few years and seen a bit of success, having their music appear on TV shows like “Parenthood” and “Oprah,” and currently touring with Marc Broussard. But this record is a marking point for them. They might be chasing someday, but IMHO, “someday” has already arrived for this band. It’s just a matter of time before the rest of us catch up.

Buy Chasing Someday on iTunes:

Take to the Oars: New Name, Same Band–Only More So

album reviews 1 Response »

Feb 132011

Indie music fans might actually find something familiar in the sound of modern rock band Take to the Oars and their recent January 2011 release American Volume. Especially fans of Vonnegut.

Because it is Vonnegut.

In June of last year, Vonnegut officially changed its name to Take to the Oars, essentially saying that their sound and mission had evolved to the point that the old name no longer fit. Unlike Meese morphing into The Centennial, however, TttO’s name change doesn’t represent a completely new direction for the band–just growth. Kind of like outgrowing your old clothes as a kid and having to get new ones.

However you describe it, I like this record a lot. The songs on American Volume carry a raw and honest sense of melancholy, and a good diversity of sound. The record ranges from driving beats and chunky guitars (“Learning to Breathe”, “Vanishing Act”) to more reflective grooves (“Why I’m Not Where You Are”, below) without losing its continuity. There are a few moments on the recording where the arrangements feel just a bit sloppy, but considering the emotion coming through, the sloppiness is forgivable, even appropriate–like it wouldn’t really be the same vibe if they’d cleaned it up.

That said, Take to the Oars has done more than just change their name–they’ve given themselves growing room with this record. It’s the same band, only more so. The group of guys formerly known as Vonnegut have set out on the open waters, and…well…

This is my personal fave on the record. Take a listen and see what you think.

Take to the Oars: “Why I’m Not Where You Are”

Buy American Volume on iTunes:

Churchill “Happy/Sad” Drops Today

album reviews No Responses »

Feb 082011

A few weeks ago, I talked about the anticipation I’ve had about Churchill‘s long-anticipated release Happy/Sad. After getting hold of the full recording, I’m “happy” to say the songs have more than met my expectations. (Read a review here.) I’m even happier to say that as of today, you can get the record on iTunes–or if you’re a Denver local, you can pick up a hard copy at Twist and Shout Records.

Denver hometown boys The Fray graciously lent their personal recording studio for the tracking of Happy/Sad, which (as the album title suggests) explores the range of human emotions, particularly in the context of relationships. Besides the overall sound and chemistry of the band (of which I was already a fan), what I like best about this record is the songwriting. Creative lyrics and catchy melodies that stick in your head. After listening to this record just once, for several days afterward I woke up in the morning with several of these songs playing in my brain’s auto-shuffle. Along the first single “Miles” which I shared here, personal faves are “We Used to Be Happy,” “Loud,” “The President,” and “Think It Over.” The song “Burn It Down” is also heading to the top of my list. But really, imho, there’s not a bad song on the record.

Here’s another tune from Happy/Sad which I think you’ll enjoy. If you like it, go download the record from iTunes. And if you’re in the Denver area this Friday, Feb. 11, be sure to check out their CD release party at the Hi-Dive.

Churchill “We Used To Be Happy”

Download Happy/Sad on iTunes:

See Green: How Catchy California Indie-pop Made Me Think Twice

bands 1 Response »

Jan 302011

I’ve gotten a few emails in the past few months by Courtney Green, the frontwoman for California indie-pop band See Green, about reviewing the band; but to tell the truth, it was a busy time, and without my having a lot of direct connection to California indie acts, See Green got sort of lost in the shuffle.

My bad. I should have been paying attention.

Although I never got around to covering See Green, their tune “Think Twice” made its way onto my ipod. And I’ve noticed that every time that song comes up on shuffle, it makes me stop and listen. It’s just got a really catchy sound. This morning, the song came up again–and finally, this Los Angeles-based band got my attention.

My apologies, Courtney and crew; better late than never.

That said, this tune is definitely worth a listen, as is the band’s latest effort Violet. See Green has this danceable alt-indie-pop vibe that has a modern feel while drawing from several retro elements. I hear a little bit of Brit-synth-pop, a little bit of California surf–just a great vibe overall. Really draws me in.

On a side note…maybe I’m late to the proverbial party here, but See Green isn’t the first California indie-pop act to reach out, and I’m noticing a consistent sound with them–perhaps an emergence of a specific new California sound. I first noticed it with San Francisco’s Music For Animals. Maybe someone already has named this new California sound, but just for kicks, I’m going to name it “Cali-pop” and see if anyone picks it up.

Take a listen to See Green’s “Think Twice”, then watch the video. See what you think.

See Green: “Think Twice”

Buy Violet from iTunes:

The Raven and The Writing Desk: Musical Literature

bands 1 Response »

Jan 282011

Sometimes what you name something is important.

The Raven and The Writing Desk. When I first read the name of this haunting indie-pop band, my attention was immediately arrested. Instantly my brain created associations with Edgar Allen Poe, C.S. Lewis, and that old video game Myst. What an interesting name; it suggests what you’re about to hear would be best listened to while sitting in an old wood-paneled library, smoking a pipe.

Turns out the name fits the band’s sound quite well. Their record Recidivist is described on the band’s MySpace page described as a concept album in which the songs “center around tragic characters who have fallen victim to their cyclical existences.” (The word “recidivist” refers to a criminal who continues to repeat the offense, so the title fits, as well.) I heard the record before reading the description, and that vibe was very easy to pick up. It isn’t just that the songs tell a story; the sound tells the story. An interesting blend of the familiar and the experimental, this is piano-driven indie-pop overlaid with haunting violin and guitar, providing an almost theatrical backdrop for frontwoman Julia LiBissi’s emotional, expressive vocals.

I don’t think I’ve ever used the term “literary” to describe a band’s sound, but to me there’s no better word to describe The Raven and The Writing Desk. When I listen to them, it sounds like musical literature. The music is an experience in itself, taking you into another time and place. Not bad for a band who is barely a year old.

I’ve put up the first track here, but being a concept record, Recidivist is best listened to in full. So if you like the opening act, go to iTunes and pick up the record.

The Raven and The Writing Desk: “Somnambulist”

Buy Recidivist on iTunes:

Katey Laurel: Growing “From Here”

artists 2 Responses »

Jan 152011

With all the music I listen to in my role as a blogger, one thing I truly enjoy is observing the growth of an artist–to see how a musician progresses from one record to the next. I love it when the new record is better than the last.

Take Denver-based singer/songwriter Katey Laurel, for instance. I haven’t reviewed her music before now on this blog, but this new record From Here isn’t the first time I’ve heard her. We first connected about a year ago, when she sent me a copy of her record Upstairs Downstairs, which at that time was already a couple of years old. The songs and the record’s production value were presentable enough, but when she mentioned she was working on some new stuff, I decided to wait to hear what she did next, and review her more current material.

The amount of artistic growth reflected in this new record, compared to the previous one, is nothing short of remarkable. If these two records were pencil marks on the wall, Katey Laurel just grew a foot. The songwriting has taken a quantum leap forward, with well-crafted lyrics and solid melody lines. The arrangements are current. The production value is excellent. But all that is not even the best part.

Katey Laurel has one of those unmistakable voices that is instantly recognized–a huge plus for any artist, but it can be a double-edged sword, because like a diamond, it really has to be placed in the right setting in order for it to shine. For me, the most satisfying element of this record is that each of the eight songs on it is an excellent setting for her voice. Katey’s producer did a fantastic job of making sure her greatest qualities as an artist–both as a vocalist and as a songwriter–have been placed front and center. The result is a set of songs that could easily be pitched for radio airplay.

The songs on From Here are pretty solidly in the AAA market–mainly love songs with a hint of country and even an occasional splash of jazz–so don’t go looking for anything wildly experimental, because that’s not the record’s intent, anyhow. But in my humble opinion, this record marks a personal artistic breakthrough for the artist. Katey Laurel has taken it to the next level.

Katey Laurel: “Begin Again”

Buy From Here on iTunes:

Churchill to Release Full-Length “Happy/Sad” Feb. 11

bands No Responses »

Jan 062011

I gotta tell ya–I haven’t been this excited about an upcoming release in quite some time.

I’ve had a few good things to say about Churchill over the past year or so, and it’s no secret that I’m a fan–and judging from the turnout at their shows, it’s clear I’m not the only one. Since they began playing together just under two years ago, armed with only an EP in a slipcover and a lot of heart, Churchill has turned a lot of heads with their distinct sound, winning lots of fans along the way.

Truth be told, the fans are a huge reason why the band’s first full-length album Happy/Sad is finally set for release on Feb. 11. The record has been funded almost entirely by Churchill’s fan base, thanks to crowdfunding site Kickstarter.

This is a record nearly a year in the making. When I had the privilege of interviewing the band for Examiner.com last spring, they played me a couple of demos they’d thrown down for the record. I’ve literally been on pins and needles waiting for this thing to come out ever since. Okay…maybe not literally on pins and needles. But you get the idea.

I’m a veteran/skeptic, and it takes a lot to impress me. In my opinion, Churchill has stumbled on more than a sound. There’s a chemistry here the likes of which I haven’t seen/heard in some time. Whatever that intangible X-factor is…they have it. Churchill has…the OOMPH.

The first single from the upcoming record, “Miles”, is now up for sale on iTunes. Take a listen to the song below, and if you like it, go get the single. Gauging from this first song, the rest of the album will be worth the wait.

Churchill – Miles by wirebird
Buy “Miles” on iTunes:

Glowing House: Sounds of “Annual Demise”

General No Responses »

Jan 012011

I first heard indie-folk band Glowing House play live in a Denver venue, and I was impressed to the point that I asked to review their record. The band is co-fronted by singer/songwriters Jess Parsons and Steve Varney, accompanied by Patrick Kline on percussion. Together, the band features an interesting duality–although the overall sound is definitely folk, Parsons’ voice adds a touch of jazz while Varney leans more toward an alternative sound. Don’t ask me how, but the combination works.

The Annual Demise of Every Aspen was released back in 2009, and listening to them live a few weeks ago, it was apparent that Glowing House has grown beyond the music on their record. Annual Demise carries an overall downtempo melancholy which you might expect with a title like that, and they’ve expanded their sound a bit since then. Nevertheless, the record has some brilliant moments on it–strong melody lines, solid harmonies, and some haunting string arrangements thrown in.

Thankfully, Glowing House has announced that they’re recording a new record that will hopefully reflect their expanded range. If Annual Demise is any indication, we have a lot to look forward to. This band is definitely on my radar.

Glowing House: “Paper And Pen”

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