The Relationship “Clara Obscura”
Brian Bell’s (Weezer) second band The Relationship has returned to with a sophomore LP that fully distinguishes itself as a force to be reckoned with. The meticulously built opener “Missing” is a prelude to the album’s break-up theme.
The lead single “Break Me Open” is a hook-filled plea that doesn’t let up, and one of the best building ballads “Without Me” is about what happens when the person that broke up with you has moved on even if you haven’t. Life goes on in “Working On Myself” which brings to mind Fastball and the optimistic ascending chords of “Smile” are all about getting over the blahs. With “Hawthorne” strings are added to this Beach Boys tribute that would make a perfect wedding song. The ending track “This Year’s Children” has more strings, and an ELO styled composition. Not only is each song great, but they tell a memorable, complete story. That also makes it a nominee for my top ten best album of 2017.
Jamie and Steve “Sub Textural” EP
Even after 40 years together, Jamie Hoover and Steve Stoeckel (Spongetones) continue to make jangling melodic gems and Sub Textural is proof positive that this duo hasn’t missed a beat.
The songs were all recorded across different years, but you wouldn’t know it. Starting with “Sword Of Love” it’s jangling treasure spinning like a mix of Squeeze and XTC here. “It’s All Because Of You” is a very McCartneyesque guitar song with lots of texture (hmmm). The best thing here is the contrasting textures in “In A Little Tango,” with its 10cc-like shifts in soft and heavy sounds. The layered acapella harmonies make “Cry” another can’t miss beauty. What else can I say… long live Jamie and Steve! Highly Recommended.
