The Low Flying Owls have created a compelling niche for themselves. Describing them as a visceral 60s/70s tinged garage band might bring to mind The Strokes or even the edgier Von Bondies, but these guys have more breadth, intensity, and irreverence. From the blistering and rollicking opener of "Glad To Be Alive" with huge fuzzy bass and waa waa guitar to the twangy, almost spaghetti-western closing of the final track, the psychedelic "The Last Day On the Planet," there are so many different sounds, it's a wonder they combine to make a cohesive album. Yet they do.
One of my favorite pieces "Looks Of a Killer" has vibes keeping the beat and trumpet accents throughout—the grinding, beautiful mess of the solos on the latter instrument have more in common with AvanteGarde jazz than an alternative rock band. Haunting vocal harmonies on the next track, the minimal "Strange Connection" speak the mantra of this album, "Can you feel the connection? Without Explanation?" and you do… turn the lights down for that one. This leads way to another highlight, the shimmering instrumental waltz "Babies Made." Then it's back to the darker, chunkier chords of bands such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Love & Rockets with "What My Friends Say."
There is something totally absorbing in its roughness, its lo-fi quality and feeling of experimentation... it's so evocative of live performance. Stripped of studio tricks the heart of the music really shines through—crystalline production would ruin it. This is precious today when modern music (even that on "alternative radio") grows ever more slick and soulless. |