“Art Decade” Art Decade
Symphonic pop/rock from this young Boston-based band. This is the band’s second CD (but our only one at KZSU). Tracks range from big, fully orchestrated power pop and well-produced traditionally crafted pop to slightly more rock-oriented compositions. The band often performs with two violinists as members, but used a full orchestra (not synthesized strings) to record the CD. The front half of the set is solid; after track 6, I didn’t find much I liked. Sounds a little like Young the Giant.
— Francis

Recommended: 1, 2, 5, 6, 3. No FCCs detected.

1. (4:01) No One’s Waiting — Richly orchestrated power pop. Triplet-based rhythm. Soaring vocals. Very strong first single. ****
2. (3:42) Walking Together — Leisurely stroll with your love. Catchy melody. Nice harmonizing on lead vocals and expertly arranged strings. ***
3. (4:01) Harbor Light — More of an indie rock sound to this — but still backed by a full orchestra. Pulsing bass, electric guitar and thumping drums. Full sound. **
4. (4:08) Idle Talk — Swelling strings and an adult middle-of-the-road sound that morphs into indie rock with a growling rock foundation.
5. (4:50) So I Thought — Pop — but it’s well done, no-excuses, piano-based pop! Lots of dynamics and musical changes. Could have come right out of the 1970s. Love those triplets! ***
6. (3:17) Numberless Dreams — Really nice driving rhythm and guitar work up front, followed by dreamy choruses. **
7. (3:52) Need You Yesterday — Starts as a ballad — builds to power pop.
8. (3:38) Boredom — Strummy, lightly tripping indie folk-pop. Boredom is right.
9. (5:25) Greylock Hill — Sappy, over-produced, too-long power pop ballad.
10. (3:17) All That’s Left — Skippy, dreamy, sophomoric (no offense, sophomores!) closer. Begins with fingerpicked guitar and breathy harmonies. Builds to a much fuller sound.