Reubens Accomplice
I Blame the Scenery
Better Looking
Intelligent and slightly off-kilter charming pop tunes that move from the softly melodic to the upbeat rock. I’d put them in the same section as Jimmy Eat World in terms of dynamics, but soundwise, these guys are on their own. There’s a light use of turntables spinning, thanks to guest DJ Radar, and it never distracts from the solidity of the guitar-based songs. There’s also a few guest appearances by Calexico’s John Rauhouse on pedal steel and Jimmy Eat World’s Jim Adkins on some percussion. The vocals are strong and sure, and the ache in the lyrics make you want to sing along. The guitar hooks definitely catch you, sharp enough to make you want to hear the same song over again before continuing on to the next one. This CD could take forever to finish, and sometimes it’s better that way. Evidently it took six years to get this one out, lets hope the next album gets out sooner.
Better Looking Records, 11041 Santa Monica Blvd., PMB 302, Los Angeles, CA 90025; http://www.betterlookingrecords.com
