|
|
|
What do you do when you're a former director of indie-rock videos for bands like Superchunk who has left North Carolina for L.A. and a career in TV and/or features? That actually describes two guys, Norwood Cheek and Peyton Reed, and what they did was team up with each other to record their own album of charming, unassuming, and delightful home-made pop. This is actually their third release together, the first two being under the name manCHILD. Their film resumés may have diverged to Reed's favor—he helmed Hollywood successes Bring It On and Down with Love, while Cheek recently worked on Nanny 911—but here Cheek takes the spotlight as songwriter, lead vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist, playing everything from guitar to keys to horns, while Reed backs him ably on drums. The Superchunk/Portastatic influence can be heard immediately on the opening track "Coral" and somewhat on closer "And Torture," but Cheek's talents as a songwriter and arranger show a more distinctive character on the rest of the disc. "Words on Your Hand" and "Smoky Air" are particular standouts. There's a nice flow to the album, for instance from the rollicking "More Perfect" to the short keyboard instrumental "Biasphere" to the darker, more ominous "Ignoring Them." Apropos of the title, this disc is loosely based around an oceanographic lyrical theme, and the mood is generally a bit melancholy. There's a charming slight awkwardness and lack of polish to the recordings that give this disc a warmth and a pure, honest quality that's very refreshing. The CD packaging features wonderful illustrations by artist Saelee Oh. And extra bonus points for naming their publishing after a Boba Fett quote. (mike.03.06)
rating
related links