Brooklyn, NY continues to churn out great bands, and The Rollo Treadway are a prime example. The entire album fills a story arc about the kidnapping of two children and the songs are told from different characters point of view. It’s all very clever, from the story to the band’s name (Buster Keaton’s character from “The Navigator”). The opener “Kidnapped” is a stunner – opening with a mix of Donovan, The Lilys and The Wondermints. “You Laugh, I Cry” has the hushed vocal stylings of Chad & Jeremy or The Association. The instrumentation is clean with just the right amount of guitar jangle, percussion and orchestration. “Dear Mr. Doe” and the remaining tracks sounds closer to the sunshine pop of Harpers Bizarre, perfectly done. The big organ’s sound in “Friday’s Child” build a swirling pysche-pop carousel. The baroque stylings of “Coast’s Clear” are almost too understated, and mesmerize you, like a sermon at the church of Brian Wilson, resembling Smile’s “Wonderful.” This continues through several songs, including “Charlie,” so light it floats like a cloud through your head. Some added heavy guitar of “She’s Got Me” and “Avenue X” bring back the psyche element, leading up to the Doors meets The Free Design of “The Children of Table 34.” Although nothing tops the great opening track, the A capella finale of “Time to Dream” is a beautiful ending that will make Beach Boys fans smile. Lovers of baroque pop, can’t miss this one. In fact, neither should anyone else.
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