Lets start off by referring to this band by the initials SSLYBY, as I like to keep my posts reasonable in word count. It’s often a name that initially seizes the attention of music lovers, but it’s the simple and infectious hooks that turn them into fans. Despite the name, this is a bright fluffy gem of modern indie pop. Opening with the catchy “Glue Girls” it has equal touches of New Pornographers, Belle and Sebastian, and the Shins. “Boring Fountain” is anything but, with a mesmerizing break full of bass and guitar goodness. Then, “Dead Right” flows along with easy going melody and the right touch of strings. If fans of the band Zumpano feel left out, the track “Think I Wanna Die” will bring them out into the sun. The track “HEERS” is a very precious ballad, similar to Elliot Smith. The mood shifts around with those perky guitars always popping into the melody, similar to the stylings of the band Of Montreal. A good example of this is “Oceanographer” with it’s echoing chorus and constant strumming – despite the goofy lyric it begs repeated listening. I totally disagree with Pitchfork here, that you have to offend someone to be memorable. The easy going pace of most of the music and the melodies, prevents it from being another annoying, pretentious Conor Oberst ripoff. On the other hand there isn’t a lot of substance here and that is what this album lacks. It’s light pop fluff, like cotton candy and that’s fine for me once in a while. If lyrics are your big thing might I suggest Milton and The Devil’s Party? If you just want some lazy sunday music, you can buy “Pershing” off the myspace page.
The SSLYBY web site | My Space
Listen to “Glue Girls”
Listen to “Think I Wanna Die”