Rules Were Handed Down, The

Gentleman Auction House – The Rules Were Handed Down

Uplifting, ensemble, indie-rock. Utilizing a huge assortment of instruments including guitars, horns, piano, violin, organ, and glockenspiel, Gentleman Auction House create a sound that is both familiar (Bright Eyes, The Arcade Fire, The Decemberists) and entirely unique and creative. This EP is packed with a slew of intriguing melodies and harmonies, interesting vocals, and tremendous breadth and depth of sound. Great first release from the St. Louis, Missouri septet, dealing with growing up and relationships.

FCC: 1 All Tracks Great

*1. FCC: “shit.” Starts with a beat and builds up and up. An interesting introspection about cheating on someone and maturity—but not obviously and overstated. (3:36)
**2. Bouncy, but not bubble-gum verse and extremely catchy chorus complete with horns. (4:16)
**3. Instrumentally broad endeavor with numerous string instruments matching a range of vocals. Variety of speeds, rhythms and sounds, it is anything but redundant. (4:19)
4. Smooth, sweet, slower song—hints of mourning and rebirth (the kind of sad you can be happy about) (3:33)
5. New Orleans-y track with hints of Tom Waits and older Bright Eyes. Includes some great piano work, stand up bass, and yes, a kazoo. (3:22)
6. Fast, up-tempo bluesy number with rolling piano and vocals. (3:09)

Reviewed by Witz