Archeology – Memorial (Music Review)
By Andrew Duncan • Mar 19th, 2010 • Category: Categories, Indie Rock, ReviewsArcheology
Memorial
Balcony
Rating: 2.9 out of 5
Links: http://www.myspace.com/archeology
As a whole, there is nothing on Memorial that makes me want to kick over my chair and run out to grab a copy of this album. But individually there are aspects within context that give this album enough fuel to keep my attention and enjoy its subtlety.
Let’s look at “By The By.” This is the standout track for the album, the hit, if you will, and was selected for a recent video. This road trip pop jingle rolls down the window and lets the open air engulf your senses and as you breathe in soft and rolling rhythms the guitar will keep you wondering if he is going to strum some chords or pick out specific notes. It’s a song that, unlike most of the album, is a catchy stand out number.
I’m a fan of tribalism, especially when it comes to a good an hypnotic pulsation of the drum. I cannot help but wonder if the band was wondering what Martin Denny would sound like with a big Phil Spector sound, but done with lo-fi measures to give it that rustic ‘60s pop feel. “San Salvador” only does it with more punch.
And if this album was thought out in the same vein as “Violette,” a subdued hum and darkly lit sound, it would have increased the album’s chance for something even more interesting and eclectic.
Then again, it only makes something like this song stand out even more. If only I could say the same for the rest of these modestly crafted songs.
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Andrew Duncan is a journalist who has migrated to the forces of academia. He has written for various publications including Chord, Heckler, Readyset...Aesthetic, and a vast array of alternative press contributions. When not roaming the streets of Indianapolis, he is either addicted to KXCI, making music, or striving to watch every film listed on IMDB.
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