Local indie rock. Soft & gentle (mostly), with razorblades for teeth... the gentleness from disarmingly offhand (sometimes off-key) male vocals and swaying folk-rock arrangements, the teeth from high-IQ, blade-sharp lyrics. Chris Stroffolino’s voice (he was in Silver Jews briefly) brings to mind (too?) many singers: Stephen Malkmus, Bob Dylan, Warren Zevon, Ron House. But songs are great... and voice can grow on you. Second LP from these locals led by a poet/English prof. This time around I think he’s been listening to more ’70s (pre-punk) music... includes lyrical references to The Kinks and Neil Diamond. Most songs slow, a couple faster & noisier. Many begin with a few seconds of silence, most end with slow fade. FCC: 5. For noisy start with 7. For gentle start with 1, 3, 6.
http://continuouspeasant.com/
==> 1. Sleepy & introspective. “The radio can act like a savior. But just like the church leaves you in a lurch.” Starts with 6 secs. silence then guitar.
2. Med. fast, energetic. Starts with a few secs. of silence, then full band. Slow fade.
==> 3. Slow & dreamy. Great, sardonic, painfully honest lyrics about feminism & misogyny. “I used to fear the women who wanted to be free, and had contempt for others who chained themselves to me. But I feel like I’m less misogynist when I’m with you.” Starts with guitar.
4. Med. fast. Starts with weird effect, sort of like flushing. Perky. Includes a Beatles harmony reference.
5. FCC (“fuck,” one time). Rockin’ & noisy & politically pissed off. If your show is during safe harbor, play this track. In parts sounds a bit like The Ex. Starts & ends with moaning feedback guitar.
==> 6. Slow & heartrending. Three songs in one, melodically. “You didn’t see how I had to forget you. You didn’t know that was how I met you. I wasn’t putting you on.” Starts with solo voice.
==> 7. Faster & noisier. Starts with lo-fi vocal sample. Sounds a lot like Great Plains (the Ohio band). “You don’t believe in nothin’ anymore!”
8. Quiet & slow, gets louder & quiet again. Starts with guitar & piano. Sparse and powerful. Chord changes come from ?___________________.
9. Whimsical shuffle beat & honky-tonk piano belie profound, subtle lyrics. Passing lyrical reference to The Kinks.
10. Med. fast. Male/female harmony vocals. Beat alternates between rolling along and hanging suspended.
11. Med. tempo. “Settle down and buy a horse. Then have three kids and get divorced.” Song ends with 17 secs. of silence.
12. Unlisted track. Starts with bass. Med. fast. Prominent piano. Very pre-punk ’70s. Lyrical reference to Neil Diamond.