Even before I heard The Reindeer Section, I had heard the buzz over the
Scottish collective whose line-up of 27+ (!!) muscians include members from
Belle and Sebastian, Mogwai, Snow Patrol, Arab Strap, The Vaselines, Teenage
Fanclub and more, rightfully earning the band the title of 'super group' in
the music press.
'Son of Evil Reindeer', the second installment in The Reindeer Section's
repertoire, is a finely crafted, beautifully serene pop album. The songs are
gentle, looping melodies ranging from the simplicity of softly strummed
acoustic guitars and vocals (both male and female) to orchestral breadth of a
small symphony, complete with trumpets, drums, percussion, organs, and
violins. Like the bands from which The Reindeer Section‚s musicians are
comprised, the songs range in mood from somber to quirky, peaceful to
contentedly sunny. I like their breezy, pared-down songs like „Strike Me
Down‰ and 'Budapest'. My least favorite songs are their most obviously radio-
friendly. 'You Are My Joy' is 100% commercial pop, with high production
values and a sing-a-long chorus.
While in the era of post-punk, neo-garage and what have you, The Reindeer
Section don't exactly sound fresh, but they do succeed at combining familiar
aspects of old indie favorites into an album that instantly feels like you‚ve
heard it somewhere before. Overall 'Son Of Evil Reindeer' is a sweet,
comfortable record for walks through the Scottish countryside or wherever you
may be. |