Jeff Elbel + Ping - No Outlet

This a relaxed, graceful and highly and devilishly catchy collections of gentle acoustic jangle pop. The type that is never in a patient, never in a hurry to rush to reach the `big hook` or `straight to the top` chorus. What else? Well, thoughtful, careful melodies, pitch-perfect vocals and extremely well recorded arrangements basqued in warm harmonies and instrumentation. It does mix in a unusual 8-song song cycle that mixes other styles a female vocalist for Elbel to sing off of bringing a a sort of Brewer And Shipley 70`s feel in parts. Translation: we really dig this. "The complex acoustic guitar-based arrangements, irresistable hooks and ability to shape mood and setting with a variety of styles brings the story to life. But the stand-alone "Radio Flyer" is the jewel on this disc..I`m a sucker for pop songs about childhood innocence and this is every bit as good as Guadalcanal Diary`s "Always Saturday""-Paste. "Elbel`s other more current influences include the 77s, and Bill Mallonee`s Vigilantes of Love, and King`s X..No Outlet is a real pleasant surprise in these days of over-hyped white noise, a back-to-basics journey through the deserts and valleys of life. A sometimes joyous, sometimes mournful experience but valued greater because of the trials along the way. Ping`s No Outlet will find its way into your head and will pull you back for repeated replays."-Waterford News. Well, we agree this last part, but King`s X? Uh, no. Definite `no`, much as we dig KX.

"Here`s some wonderfully sophisticated indie pop. If not exactly "unplugged," this is a mostly acoustic album, as its title suggests. There`s considerable sonic variety, with xylophone, harmonica, saxophone, toy piano, accordion, flute, and more esoteric instruments deployed at various times, along with a wide variety of acoustic guitars, acoustic and fretless electric bass, and both traps and hand percussion. Elbel`s voice is limited, but he works around its limitations entrancingly. Most of this music is perky and upbeat even when it`s in a minor key, but not without a dark undercurrent now and then. It`s a pleasure throughout its 10-song, 40-minute length. "-Big Takeover. Very Highly Recommended.

Back Into The Cage - mp3

Radio Flyer - mp3

Miracle Rain - mp3

Bedouin Girl - mp3