Shuttin Out the World

Dirty Pictures – Shuttin Out the World – Self Release
Reviewed by Peter 3-29-2005

Nice, laid-back rock that leans a little folky at times, but also has its moments of rockin’ from this local band. The tracks are a mix of acoustic and electric. They can be a little cheesy at times, but are good on the whole. Vox have a very familiar sound – 80’s prog rock or something similar. There’s a decent amount of variety among the tracks so check out the individual descriptions to find what you’re looking for. Track 1 caught my attention and might be the strongest; the last three stand out as well.
FCC on 7, 9
1. * 4:15 –Mid-tempo. Starts with sad, pretty strings, which return throughout. Whispered male vox at first, gradually stronger and harmonies. Song has a sad, minor feel, but also comes across as strangely upbeat at times.
2. 2:58 – Mid-tempo, acoustic. Strange male lead vox are deep, a little twangy at first, and sound almost country. Instrumentation is interesting (hard to describe) and certainly not bad.
3. 3:56 – Mid-tempo title-track starts with clear, ironic-sounding vox. Simple, acoustic, pretty song. Slightly industrial effect keeps repeating throughout – like a mechanical cymbal-crash – slightly distracting.
4. 5:31 – Mid-tempo, rock-feel (through drums) at first. Again, somewhat industrial-sounding effects throughout. Light, airy instrumentation in background. Song feels grandiose, especially next to these other tracks.
5. 3:57 – Mid-tempo, simple, straightforward, soft indie. Lead vox dominate but nice, subtle, harmony support.
6. 4:14 – Mid-tempo, electric, more rock feel, shuffling electronic drum effects provide foundation, piano, bass, guitar, distant voices, all layered on top for a chill (hints at an island-feel at times) instrumental track. Sometimes feels a little cheesy, but could work well.
7. 4:37 - Mid-tempo, acoustic, but with an industrial start. FCC in first lyric. Some nice lyrics, lead vox sound familiar and change the feel of the song towards… a more popular sound? Maybe more country even. Long (1 minute) distortion-outro.
8. 4:12 – Mid-tempo, very sparse, strummed acoustic guitar, clear, dominant male lead vocals. After a minute, the song goes electric and picks up. Decent lyrics, harmonies. A little repetitive overall.
9. * 4:33 – Up-tempo, electronic, electric piano, dance beat. Lead vox still dominant, harmonies are in the background but drawn-out. FCCs in background talking (“my fucking room” faint but audible). Some cool imagery, lyrics are good, interesting effect throughout.
10. * 4:34 – Mid-tempo, electric, dark guitars. Lead vox sound like late Floyd – low and hiding something sinister. Lyrics don’t seem to match sinister feel, but they’re still good and the combination works.
11. *9:27 – Mid-tempo, acoustic, bells, clear, prominent lead vox are quite good. Song picks up a little as it progresses. Song fades out after 3:30 (with about 6:00 left). Last minute of track is hectic, incomprehensible, conversations.