The Normans
"Dreams of Autocrashes" CD
India
Records
Genres: indie pop, folk-pop, indie rock
band website
Oct 25 - 31 2004 |
I can't tell if The Normans constitute a normal indie rock act
or not. Their songs are melodically straightforward and
stylistically typical, but for some reason this album feels extremely
unique. The songs are of varied lengths (though only one
surpasses the four minute mark), and seem to range from slow and folky
to gritty and rock-oriented. The songwriting is solid, and all of
these tunes can be hummed. Lovers of good pop music will surely
appreciate what Normans lead man Brent Baldwin has
created here.
"Writing" is The Normans' first notable song on Dreams
of Autocrashes - it has an unusual structure, spending most of its
duration on a simple verse and then finishing off with a infectiously
howling ooh-ooh-ooh chorus. "Air," though barely over
a minute long, is also one of this album's best tracks - it has an
uplifting structure that is both blissful and momentous. The
emotionally charged "Tried to Try" and "Hope" are
also strong. The varied selection of successful songs is
indicative of what a diverse and eclectic album Dreams of
Autocrashes is - it's like a pop smorgasbord of sorts. A few
tracks aren't as catchy as the best ("Heavens to Betsy,"
"Lullabye"), but for the most part they are worth having in
a collection.
Sixteen tracks is a lot for an indie pop album, but Brent Baldwin
makes the most of this disc's duration. As a result, Dreams
of Autocrashes is a particularly successful release. Keep an
eye on The Normans - they're worth your attention.
85%
Matt Shimmer [Vitals:
16 tracks, distributed by CD
Baby, released 2003] |
