PERCH PATCHWORK

Let me start this review with a short aside. This album is by no means falls under the Post Rock or Math Rock subgenres. Its place however under this heading on this site is warrented because the band grew out of a strong math rock background as evidenced by their two outstanding EPs that came before.

That being said we must ask: what kind of music is this? Personally I see this Album as being perhaps more progressive than thier EPs however this is less Math Rock and would fit better in one of the Ex-Art Rock genres as it could easily slide into Eclectic or Crossover Prog due to the blended genres and genrally accessability of this sound. Sounds on this album reflect a diverse range of artists, one will find tinges of Yes both in the nonsensical high pitched vocals and in the many Howe influenced guitar passages, notebly on the opener, Will. One will also find more traditional Math Rock guitar as on Pigeon, however this guitar work is not allowed to be dominate or become two technical or dissonant (though the band is certainly capable of this) and thus these moments are blended with more accessable styles. In the case of Pigeon it is mixed with the faux african sound pioneered by Paul Simon, but here being played more in the spirit of Vampire Weekend.

Musicianship is incredible as well. From tastefull tapping (not in the metal vein of this technique) to polyrythmic drumming, to groovy bass riffs to interesting percussion worked into the drumming and the subtle touches of strings and brass everything is played perfectly, and perfectly understated so that nothing steals the spotlight. Lyrically, as I mentioned, Davison can verge on nonsence however, often his lyrics come off as beautifful, even brilliant and always fit the music being played. The singing style here reminds me of Neutral Milk Hotell but in a higher register. The almost croaky sound might at first seem annoying to those not innitiated in indie folk, but its a grower much the same way as Wyatt and Hamill.

Over all I find this album to be excellent, a great display of what a band with a Math Rock background is capable of if they set aside the steriotypes of there genre and instead focous on playing beautifull progressive and catchy tunes! I will give this four stars: great but not a masterpiece, though perhaps their next release will be. They are certainly close to finding that special somthing that nudge them over the edge into timelessness!