Press Play – Album Reviews

Thebrotheregg7 song EP***Portland based group Thebrotheregg has definitely got something going on with their latest release 7 song EP, and as soon as I figure it out, I’ll let you know. Their sound would be best described as “quirky” and “unique,” mixed with a little ’90s sitcom theme music (think the title music from Pete & Pete and Friends).

Singer Adam Goldman does some really cute things with his voice, though at times it seems a little too sweet and optimistic. Also, somewhere along the line, they discovered singing in the round-and took to it like an excited (and somewhat confused) three-year-old. Those things aside, it sounds like they had a blast recording the album, and that feeling rubs off on listeners. As the last song, “Dancing Satan” comes to an end, you’re left with an upbeat and cheerful feeling.

-Marcella Barnes

Scotland Barr & the Slow DragsAll the Great Aviators Agree*1/2

There’s not a lot to say about All the Great Aviators Agree by Scotland Barr and the Slow Drags. It’s just fairly standard, low-key country rock. The track “Juanita” sounds like a PG-13 hootenanny and “Heart of Rome” showcases some seriously questionable vocal ability–choir teachers call it “throat singing.”

It wouldn’t be fair to call the album’s subject matter “run-of-the-mill,” but “common” wouldn’t be too far off. And not common in the sense that you’ve heard it before, but common in the sense that it’s everyday life, there’s not much to care about. Yet there is a bit of charm in the mundane, and this band is not even close to being the worse thing going, they’re just boring. In the end, the singing could use some beefing up, and the ho-down aspects of it could be toned-down.

-Marcella Barnes

Hot Club SandwichGreen Room**

Like Django Reinhardt? Hot Club Sandwich sure does. In the liner notes the band thanks both Pearl Django and Djangobooks. Hmmm. Regardless, if you don’t like Mr. Reinhardt’s particular brand of jazz guitar, there won’t be much to like about Green Room. The band is obviously talented, but the songs are such one-trick ponies you’ll want to pour yourself a stiff drink and pass out after about 15 minutes.

There are a few tracks with vocals, but they’re used sparingly, and the “olde-timey” lyrics don’t help much to keep the songs lively. There are also some sporadic old-world European sounding numbers thrown in, assumedly to keep some semblance of balance, or maybe to keep the musicians awake.

Mostly though, Green Room just reminds me of being trapped at Starbucks when it was being played incessantly–a fate worse than death. The few decent tracks don’t really merit a listen, unless you’re really desperate.

-Steve Haske