Rusty-Like

"(Pirouette)" CD

Breathing Room Records

Genres: indie pop, indie rock

November 2006

I like it when pop music isn't afraid to stand up and make itself known. That's the case right off the bat on Rusty-Like's (Pirouette), which blazes right out the door with peppy instrumental "City Summer Rain," a track that sounds like the end credits score to a movie with the happiest conclusion imaginable. But just as you suspect this might be a completely instrumental release, you're introduced to vocals courtesy of a number of guests. Sadly, I find that the vocals run a bit flat in Rusty-Like's sound, coming up disappointing within context of the backing tracks. While their opening number glistened in its instrumental glory, the other songs are let down by their focus on the singing. That isn't to say tunes like "Canoe" and "Cowpie" don't have their fair share of melody - they just aren't exceptional. However, there are a few highlights despite it all, including the dreary, Camera Obscura-esque "Black Eyes" and downbeat "Passer By."

(Pirouette) is a decent record, but I doubt I'd seek it out myself unless they blew me away live.

dryspace

70%

Fun Fact: A pirouette is a famous ballet move in which the dancer spins on one leg.

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 12 tracks, distributed by the label, released 2006]