Schooner

"You Forget About Your Heart" CD

Pox World Empire

Genres: indie rock, indie pop

Pox World Empire
1512 James St.
Durham NC 27707

Sep 13 - 19 2004

Schooner's You Forget About Your Heart starts with two of the most plainly enjoyable songs I've heard in awhile, and there's definitely something to be said about that.  "My Friend's Band" is pure, boppy pop with some truly unparalleled hooks, while "Days Undercover" is slow and winding, with an extremely charming, low-key melody.  The rest of the album's songs don't quite live up to the start, but most of them are quite entertaining nonetheless.

Schooner doesn't seem content to stick with one genre or mood - You Forget About Your Heart is an extremely eclectic release, and there is lots of variation in song tempos, influences, and overall moods.  A track like "Open Door," slow and folky in nature, comes right before noisy (and mediocre) rocker "Stunts and Showmanship and Codes," for example.

Despite the varied nature of You Forget About Your Heart's songs, this is a very strong and listenable record.  If you allow them a few listens, Schooner will set up a permanent stakeout in your CD changer - and for good reason.

86%

Matt Shimmer

[Vitals: 8 tracks, distributed by the label, released 2004]