American Watercolor Movement
"It Takes Fifteen To Tango
In My Book, What Book Do You Read?" CD
self-released
Genre: experimental rock
March 2007 |
There's a lot going on in American Watercolor
Movement's music. They're a very theatrical band featuring members
of Flaming Fire, another dramatic band I reviewed awhile ago.
Their layered, experimental style makes for an interesting record
which breaks a lot of norms for rock music. I dig it, for sure, but
I'm not sure how many times I'd listen to it back-to-back. That's the
line you draw with really offbeat records such as this.
Where to begin? The first track, "It Takes Fifteen
To Tango In My Book," is a definite highlight. It features a slow
build to a powerful climax that is surprisingly catchy despite a lack
of obvious melody. Though a bit drama school, it is a fitting and
explosive opening to a unique record. Meanwhile, "Flowers For Catalan"
also kicks some major ass with its passionate, blizzardy climax, and
the keyboard-drenched "That Haven" makes for a strong mid-album
number. Rhythm plays a key component on this record, as AWM
base most of their songs on strong beats as opposed to intricate
melodies ("Sweet Thursday," "Monkey Lady"). They also tend to get
eighties style synthy on tracks like "The Glory" and vagely U2-ish
(!!) "She Danced Like a Demon." This isn't a problem, but may
wear on the record's ability to stand up to repeated listens - though
I'd love to see them live. Overall, anyhow, It Takes Fifteen is
a fun and exciting work of music, and is worthy of any adventurous
ear.
the american watercolor movement diespace
82%
youuuutube!:
american watercolor movement live
Matt Shimmer
[vitals: 14 tracks,
51:24,
distributed by
the band,
released oct 3, 2006] |