The album shows Straylight eschewing the pretty piano pop that made a thousand emo bands change their tunes in favor of a more "grand ol' opry" approach. That's not to say you'll hear Big and Rich style cowboy anthems (a truly frightening concept), but the band has clearly been listening to a little too much Jenny Lewis. Michelle DeRosa, who had only a few lead vocals on the previous disc, takes a much more dominant role this time around and sports a fancy new half-twang. In keeping with this Saddle Creek-inspired turn for the worse, the piano has now been relegated (with a few exceptions) to simple
aesthetic notes here and there while center stage is given to the acoustic guitar. Though the band may be trying to reach into new and folksier territories, the truth is that this album is more mediocre for the new wave of that Genre than even Rilo Kiley was.
The lyrics range from narratives about growing up and change ("The Miracle That Never Came") to awkwardly bad politics ("Who Will Save Us Now") while the band seems to try too hard to achieve beauty that was so effortless the first time around.
There's nothing wrong with feeling the need to move on and find new direction, but hopefully next time they'll go down a more interesting road.
CD Info and Links
Straylight Run - The Needles the Space
Rating:
Preview and Purchase This CD Online
More articles for this artist .
On The Record: Collective Soul, A Day To Remember And More
Tim Gartland - Right Amount of Funky
The Blues: Corky Siegel - Symphonic Blues No. 6
Quick Flicks: The Million Eyes of Sumuru
Stream Lamb of God Star Mark Morton's 'Without The Pain' Album
Spin Doctors Share Roller Derby-Inspired 'Boombox' Video
Magnolia Park Unleash 'Shadow Talk' Video
Bourbon & Beyond And Louder Than Life Music Festivals Get 10 Year Venue Deal
Sammy Hagar Offers Chance To Win Ultimate Red Rocker Rockstar Experience
Aerosmith Offhsoot Close Enemies Share 'Sweet Baby Jesus' Video
Nick Drake Estate Announce 'The Making Of Five Leaves Left' Box Set