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Proudly carrying the flag of Dunedin, New Zealand guitar pop (see the Clean, the Chills, the Bats, etc.) come the Dark Beaks with this low-profile but fine self-released album. Led by Andrew Jamieson, this trio existed briefly in the late '90s, disbanded, and then reformed in 2004. It's really Jamieson's show, as the rhythm section unobtrusively lays back to highlight Jamieson's delicious guitar tone (thanks to a collection of vintage valve amps), his able playing, which ranges from jangly to atmospheric, and his slightly off-kilter vocals. Highlights include the first track, "Dream About You," which pairs staccato and sustain guitar parts; the chiming and jaunty "Open the Window"; the tremolo-rich "Roll Along"; and the slow-building album closer "Take Your Time." The band takes a few stylistic stretches, which I commend them for, but unfortunately they result in the album's clunker moments. "Down by the Pool" is an unsuccessful Talking Heads pastiche, and "Deserve It" is a post-Velvet Underground snoozer. The venture into psychedelia on the otherwise-fine "Seal Was Unbroken" seems a little desultory and out of place, and the bluesy shuffle of "Eyes to the Ground" tastes bad to me. It's a warm and good-natured effort, though, and quite likable despite these missteps. (mike.09.06)
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