Trainwreck Riders
(Alive Natural Sound)
Like its two predecessors, Perch is nothing less than a rousing, carousing brouhaha of an album, an apt reflection of the Trainwreck Rider's confluence of pop, punk and alt country influences. Being from San Francisco, the band's freewheeling spirit would seem a given, but their upstart insurgence puts them in the same realms as Green on Red, Uncle Tupelo, the Mekons and Rank and File, bands that fostered a down home delivery upended by rowdy, reckless abandon. In this case however, the band seems better able to channel that unfettered energy into something more tuneful, showing they've made concessions to more melodic constraints.
The earnest down home ramble of "Trainwreck Heart" "Livin' Daylight" and "Chug Along" suggest the emergence a more engaging attitude. Likewise, closer listens to "Weight of the Day" and "Saw Your Eyes" offer evidence the band's been rummaging through some older albums recently, possibly pillaging the Kinks and the Jayhawks, respectively. Agreed, fans may find that somewhat suspect, especially in light of their proclivity to charge ahead at full throttle. Fortunately though, they can be assured that any incidence of restraint will likely never derail the Trainwreck Rider's edgier instincts.
Standout Tracks: "I Saw Your Eyes," "Weight of the Day" LEE ZIMMERMAN
