Brave New Works

New album, just came out…(May, ‘09) Ain’t Too Bright, by the Electric Owls

So I stumble upon this album and I listen to the first track, “Magic Show”, and I’m thinking: “Okay, there’s definitely an MGMT thing going on.”  The track is brooding and expansive, with a heavy dose of electronica, rumbling, intermittent percussion, and a crescendo of layered vocals… it’s a great song.  So we’re started off with that, and then the next song, “Halloween Mask”, comes on and the whole feel shifts.  Now I’m thinking:  ”Okay, there’s definitely a Shins thing going on.”  Soothing acoustic guitars, pop-sensible lyrics, gripping hooks and perfectchoruses.  Listening to the entire album I was impressed by their range; how they would seamlessly transition from rock tracks with heavy electric guitars to folky acoustic fireside sing-alongs a la Fleet Foxes.  I think I even heard a banjo thrown in there somewhere.  They manage to perfectly balance jubilance with melancholy, throwing just enough at you of each to keep you on your toes, wanting more, simple,
perfect tunes asking for nothing more than an open ear to please.

I recommend listening to this album straight through, when you’re hanging out, relaxing, looking for a little something to cheer the ears up.  These guys know how to write some great songs.  My personal favorite was “Haint in the Holler” (it’s not misspelled) a straight-forward, awesome song with a simple message and a powerful heart.