The Creaky Boards made some headlines prior to the album’s release by accusing Coldplay of ripping them off. And it’s true that “Viva La Vida” does sound nearly identical to “The Songs I Didn’t Write” but Andrew Hoepfner freely admits the melody is lifted from a video game. It has definitely put The Creaky Boards on the map, and it seems that this PR helped the band get noticed (there is no lawsuit or anything). In any case, Andrew seems delighted by the media attention. Ironically, “The Songs I Didn’t Write” is about Brian Wilson, and not Coldplay.
Beyond this single, the album is a neo Beach Boys revival – “Now I’m in The City” shines with full Spectorian Wall of Sound production circa 1964, but it has the lyrical confessions of modern groups like The Shins or Belle & Sebastian. The follow up “Brooklyn” has a vague Eastern European sound, like a Mary Hopkin tune played by Kasenetz-Katz. This track is unique, as most of the album follows a melodic “Pet Sounds” template. The harmonies are lush and complex arrangements are full on “Oh Just Be Silent” although the lyrics are paranoid ramblings (“Don’t tell your mother, don’t tell your lover…”). What makes this better than your average Brian Wilson clone, is that Hoepfner includes other dynamic elements, much like Zumpano or Olivia Tremor Control. And the songs are all original, and catchy as hell. “Lie To Me” has a Shangri La’s type vocal break in mid song, and “I’m So Serious” has 50’s styled do-wop backing vocals to support the great melodies. The autobiographical piano ballad “I’m Touching The Electric Fence” and mid-tempo “SOS” are a departure from the rest of the album, but are good songs. This album is never boring or feels derivative and is worth many repeat listens. Enjoy it.