Pedal Steel Transmission
"The Angel of the Squared Circle" CD
Cardboard
Sangria Records
Genres: country rock, indie rock, indie pop
band
website
Dec 15 - 21 2003 |
The
Angel of the Squared Circle is another fine release from these four
Western-influenced boys from Chicago. And although they still
live up to their name, PST has taken their country leanings
down a notch for their third album, and instead opt for a truer rock
format, characterized by epic song structure and solid lead
guitar. Despite their faith in rock, however, the band
has still managed to come up with a real mish-mash of styles and
genres on The Angel of the Squared Circle.
The songwriting is what truly holds this album together, even
though it is eclectic in tastes. Epic opener
"Waiting," as an example, is pure Mexican rock [leading to
an explosive climax], whereas "Maritime Glare" is refreshing
indie pop that borders on space rock. "Gilman Report,"
meanwhile, touches on math rock and "Balonette" is the nine
minute country and folk tinged finale.
The third chapter in Pedal Steel Transmission's discography
is complete, and it exceeds expectations. I can't see why anyone
could possibly dislike The Angel of the Squared Circle - it is
one of the most infectious, moving, and beautiful records to come out
this year. And that's a big statement to make halfway through
December.
88%
Matt Shimmer
[Vitals: 11 tracks, distributed by the
label, released 2003] |
