The Rationales “The Distance In Between”
The Raionales had an impressive EP years earlier, and here is a more mature full LP. “Real Life” is a great opener with its faux blues guitar riffs and lush orchestration. The sound of the band comes closer to Wilco meets Dave Matthews in spots. “Braedon” is the albums’ early standout here, with singer-songwriter/guitarist David Mirabella wailing the chorus “Hey little B, dressed up an army suit where you going with my popcorn?” The song is just infectious and the distorted riffs just drive things along.
Other tracks are equally impressive, like “Jaded,” and “Another Moon” with Mirabella’s distinct vocals taking center stage here (an acquired taste much like Blues Traveller). And no filler here either. More gems here include “Slower-Faster” and the summery “Tongue Tied”. Solid roots syled power pop that fans of REM, Tom Petty and Jayhawks will treasure.
The Spanish Channel “Brooklyn, off Atlantic”
The album title even tells you exactly where the band lives, as this earnest uptempo pop/rock band aims to please. Led by singer/guitarist Jamie Garamella it opens with “People Pleaser” a rocker with an interesting lyrical hook about how to get along with everybody. The guitar riff on “Strapped For Cash” kinda mimics “Hazy Shade of Winter” but the timely subject is relevant to any newly minted college grad. And that’s what makes The Spanish Channel stand out, as the lyrics and hooks are far from boilerplate.
The band also stylistically resembles The Spin Doctors on tracks like “MIssed Opportunity” and “Be A Dog” but keeps things fresh with a variety of rockers that are really unique in sound. The best song here is the Fountains of Wayne-like “Trivia Night” with a crackling riff and catchy chorus that builds around a wonderful guitar and harmony break. The band chugs on all cylinders here, and also the impressive ballad “Everything’s Gone” displays another side of this unique band.