Jive White Boy is, more or less,
Brian Senesac, a low-key singer/songwriter inspired by the
recent indie folk scene. Knives That Stab Your Face is a
brief album populated by understated acoustic songs. Of course,
nothing here is wretched, but these tracks
have also failed to pump my nads, and they aren't likely to pump
yours either.
I suppose the trouble with mellow folkpop music is that it seldom leaves a lasting impression;
Jive White Boy models himself after the exceptions (Elliot
Smith, Bright Eyes), but fails to live up to his idols.
Too many of these songs sound like the sorts of forgettable ballads
you'd find on alternative rock albums from the late nineties
("Slowly", "2031"). Occasional nuggets hit on some tasty hooks ("The
Great Depression," "Knives That Stab Your Face"), although the
overall product could still use some polish. Senesac's vocals
oscillate from hesitant to droning, and his songs are too long for
simple acoustic pop tracks. A bit of time to refine his craft will
do this Jive White Boy some good.
