Chris Richards and the Subtractions album, Sad Sounds Of Summer presents a different take on the outside world's perceived sound of Detroit. The sound of the band is chiming guitars with simple melodic riffs and plenty of harmonious vocals, sort of something like a mash up of early Who and same period Beach Boys, so it's light and airy, but with a punchy rythmn section working below deck.
'I, Miss July' rattles along with nice crunchy rythmn guitars in the verses that rises up with the harmony vocals towards the choruses. There's also plenty of melodic guitar rifferama fills in places for good effect too. ' Take It From Me' again is very melodic, with feint little melodies in the background that could either be a Farfisa organ or a guitar through a 'Slow Gear ' type pedal, it's hard to tell as they float by, but it adds atmospherics to the tune. The guitars on this track are also quite overdriven and the lead guitar is searing to say the least, but it all meshes well together. 'I Do Declare' is a top down, driving down the hghway type of song, lots of energy and melody, great for driving.
The whole album is very fresh sounding and despite the sentiments expressed in the album's title, it's a very uplifting experience. The songwriting, playing and singing all hit their marks and it's a fine example of power pop. Although it is pop, the power bit is the key here, lot's of melodic but piledriving rythmns which allows the energy to pour out of the speakers.
Reviewed by Kevin Wallbank 08/22/09
I Can't Quit Her Consolation I, Miss July Sunny Day Oh Canada (Pt Deux) Take It From Me Ordinary Man I Do Declare Beg Or Borrow Southern Belle
All content posted here on Psychedelic Central, excluding public domain graphics, youtube videos and other forms of public domain material, is copyright protected and may not be copied or used for any purpose without prior writen authorization and consent from the legal copyright holders.
