Low Lows
(Misra)
Hey kids, anyone remember Neapolitan ice cream? That tasty triple-treat of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry for folks who can’t make up their minds, or want all three? That’s the best analogy I could come up with for The Low Lows. 1/3 dreamy psych pop, 1/3 indie rock and 1/3 alt. country. The group’s new album has remained one of my favorites this year, and I’ve been listening to it since March (it’s been out for some time in Europe and hits download retailers this week in the U.S.; CDs will arrive in stores in early September).
After a minor personnel shake out and a move to Austin, the band recorded this confident sophomore effort. Some listeners may be slightly put off by singer Parker Noon’s echoey vocal treatment, used on all songs, but I find it atmospheric, as well as adding its own texture to the music, especially when coupled with the three-part harmonies. Haunting steel guitar adds a dreamy beauty to many songs, a la Beachwood Sparks, and organ, horns and feedback add moody character to the rest. There is a swirling complexity and a dense, multi-layered coloring to the music that draws the listener in and envelops him. Included is a lush, thoughtful cover of the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Modern Romance. Other adjectives for Shining Violence must include; stark, bleak, mournful and visceral. I was quickly compelled to backtrack and pick up 2006’s Fire On The Bright Sky.
Standout Tracks: “Sparrows,” “Tigers” BARRY ST. VITUS
