Long a fave here at Not Lame, their third full-length is equal parts
rock,
Americana, pop, and country. "Limbeck" proves that these four former punk
rockers from Orange County and Milwaukee have finally grown into their
cowboy boots and crafted a disc that everyone from The Bamboozle to
Bonnaroo
can appreciate. Musically, Limbeck is also a huge progression for the
band.
Instruments like ukulele, bar chimes, vocoder, horns and strings add new
sonic textures to the band¹s sound, while Beach Boys-esque harmonies fill
out the melodies on tracks like the sunny opener, ²Trouble.² For fans of
The Honeydogs, The Format, Wilco, The Replacements, The Beach Boys. "4
stars.. It`s really hard to not like a band like Limbeck, especially when
they`re releasing albums like this self-titled one that is full of warm,
jangly and sun-soaked, countrified pop that is equal parts Beach Boys,
Wilco
and Tom Petty. Tender vocal harmonies and an innocent, hungry sort of
charm
drive the songs, which further own the perfect amount of fullness
thanks to
bits of organ, brass and string littered throughout. The album is a
relaxed
affair that`s missing the stubble-faced grit that makes most
country-flavored indie bands perfect for hovering over a bar counter all
night throwing back shots of whiskey -- see the gentle percussive
stomp of
"Bird Problems" and the interstate longing of "Let Me Come Home" --
but what
is lacking in the area of drunken misery, Limbeck makes up for in buoyant
and welcoming tunes perfect for those moments when life isn`t just a
mess.
This is for road trips with friends (preferably driving through some arid
desert with miles and miles between each broken down rest stop), walking
down the street on a summer day with the sun beating down on your
face, or
those moments when the most immediate concern is that "the wind keeps
blowing the dust in my face and rearranging my hairdo." The restless
energy
of cuts like "Keepin` Busy" and "Wake Up" break up the largely mellow
album
nicely, though it`s really songs like the early morning narrative of
"Sunset
Limited" that shine. These dusty accounts are little snapshots of life on
the road that aren`t without uncertainty, killing time alone, and broken
hearts and cars, but are ultimately about the friends, family and
people you
meet along the way that make it all worthwhile. At one point, lead
vocalist
Robb MacLean sings, "I just want to be content no matter where I am."
Well
as long as this album is playing on the stereo, you`re halfway
there."-AMG.
 Listen - mp3
Trouble - mp3
Keep In Busy - mp3
Bird Problems - mp3 |
