Spring Break
Phonograph draws on wide range of influences
JENNIFER JACKSON
Issue date: 4/10/07 Section: Variety
Memories of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan will fill Caledonia Lounge tonight through the sounds of Phonograph.
Their self-titled debut album has influences including 1950s classics and Coldplay.
Grade: B+
Verdict: New Americana, but not quite Bob Dylan.
Playing with Gringo Starr
When: Midnight
Where: Caledonia Lounge
Many songs promote life lessons, steering away from wasted money, wasted relationships and wasting time.
Singer Matthew Welsh's charming vocals complete Phonograph's classic alternative-country tune.
When his sound isn't similar to Dylan, remnants of Cash still are present.
The grainy, record-like recording only stresses Phonograph's vintage sound.
The band formed in 2005 in one of music's capitals, New York City.
Their album has received much acclaim after being named one of the seven NYC bands to hear in New York's L Magazine before it was released in February.
"PHONOGRAPH" is the perfect coming-of-age album for both listeners and the band itself, putting their name on the map.
The band has a unique sound with many familiar references, claiming inspiration from Wilco, The Flaming Lips and even Elvis Costello.
The wide variety of acts they follow is evident; none of the thirteen songs on their album become repetitive, but they all follow a similar tune.
"Thinking of You" provides a change of pace, reminding listeners of a southern Elliott Smith, and not lacking his pessimistic outlook, with lyrics like "It's harder to live than is to die."
The best component of the album, "T.V. Screens," would cause any listeners to stop and nod their heads.
However, the CD's last two songs compromise the grace of the album.
When "You're a Giraffe" isn't just plain boring, it is too busy for the rest of the album, falling out of place.
The CD's finale, "Isobel," sounds like a creepy church service with synthesized organs and randomized bells, scaring listeners back to song number five.
Although Welsh's vocals are enticing, they also were lonely at times, and could have been enhanced with backups.
Phonograph's southern tunes surpass any old country song; this five piece also woos the most critical listeners.
With cheap beer, an outdoor patio and intimate quarters, Caledonia Lounge is perfect to host these guys.
"Isobel" aside, Phonograph's established, self-titled debut album will fill the living room-sized venue with a wide variety of listeners, and is worth five bucks to experience live.
Their self-titled debut album has influences including 1950s classics and Coldplay.
PHONOGRAPH
Grade: B+
Verdict: New Americana, but not quite Bob Dylan.
Playing with Gringo Starr
When: Midnight
Where: Caledonia Lounge
Many songs promote life lessons, steering away from wasted money, wasted relationships and wasting time.
Singer Matthew Welsh's charming vocals complete Phonograph's classic alternative-country tune.
When his sound isn't similar to Dylan, remnants of Cash still are present.
The grainy, record-like recording only stresses Phonograph's vintage sound.
The band formed in 2005 in one of music's capitals, New York City.
Their album has received much acclaim after being named one of the seven NYC bands to hear in New York's L Magazine before it was released in February.
"PHONOGRAPH" is the perfect coming-of-age album for both listeners and the band itself, putting their name on the map.
The band has a unique sound with many familiar references, claiming inspiration from Wilco, The Flaming Lips and even Elvis Costello.
The wide variety of acts they follow is evident; none of the thirteen songs on their album become repetitive, but they all follow a similar tune.
"Thinking of You" provides a change of pace, reminding listeners of a southern Elliott Smith, and not lacking his pessimistic outlook, with lyrics like "It's harder to live than is to die."
The best component of the album, "T.V. Screens," would cause any listeners to stop and nod their heads.
However, the CD's last two songs compromise the grace of the album.
When "You're a Giraffe" isn't just plain boring, it is too busy for the rest of the album, falling out of place.
The CD's finale, "Isobel," sounds like a creepy church service with synthesized organs and randomized bells, scaring listeners back to song number five.
Although Welsh's vocals are enticing, they also were lonely at times, and could have been enhanced with backups.
Phonograph's southern tunes surpass any old country song; this five piece also woos the most critical listeners.
With cheap beer, an outdoor patio and intimate quarters, Caledonia Lounge is perfect to host these guys.
"Isobel" aside, Phonograph's established, self-titled debut album will fill the living room-sized venue with a wide variety of listeners, and is worth five bucks to experience live.
Be the first to comment on this story