The Candles “Between Sounds”
Multi-instrumentalist Josh Lattanzi has worked with many great pop acts (Ben Kweller, Tinted Windows, The Lemonheads) but here he’s in charge of The Candles. This a very warm album with easy going affectionate pop that doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s solid in approach and execution. The playful progressions in “Waiting For The Truth” are compelling roots styled pop with a touch of synth. The best melody comes from the easy going “Here and Gone” with it’s descending guitar rhythms and hand claps in the sing-along chorus.
The musicianship is top notch, with even James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins) helping out with the twang on “Anywhere Tonight.” The slight country flavored pop works best on the well written “Who We Are.” This is one of those albums that isn’t that immediate, but really sticks with repeat listens. Fans of Ryan Adams, Jackson Browne and The Gin Blossoms will enjoy this release immensely. Get the FREE sample track “Here and Gone” here.
Little Beirut “Fear Of Heaven”
This Portland Oregon band sounds like the model of a contemporary pop band, as the opener “Last Light” has that Coldplay meets Guster approach with a decent hook in the chorus. Lead singer Hamilton Sims keeps things moving along on “Cosmic Waitress” with chiming guitars chords and hand claps. The composition gets a bit sparse on “Apology To My Heart” but it holds together thanks to Sims vocal and a good melody. The standouts here follow — “Bow and Quiver” is a solid melodic rocker with a rhythm guitar riff that will stick in your brain for days, and epic rock ballad “Lifeboat” almost approaches greatness, but doesn’t quite make it there. There are other good tracks here (“Cigarette Girl” and “Crooked Crown”) but it feels like the band is just dipping their toe in the power pop waters. The compositions are solid, but a bit too safe to be that memorable. After repeat listens the songs “hidden” details in the melodies may keep you coming back, but this band needs to drop the subtlety if it wants to gain a bigger following.
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