52 COMMERCIAL ROAD

It's always nice to be introduced to a new band that's just coming out onto the scene. As the realm of post- rock gains popularity, it also encourages new musicians to yield under the banner. Unfortunately, there are alot of established 'tricks' that seem to start getting used, and used again by countless bands. While certainly a talented bunch, 52 Commercial Road seems to have fallen into a slump of doing 'by-the- numbers' post rock. The execution and music itself is pleasant and atmospheric, but at the risk of sounding harsh, it seems a bit meaningless to cover familiar territory, especially when other bands before them have done better with it.

THis is not to say at all however, that I have not enjoyed listening to this album. The band incorperates alot of different sounds into their mix, including violin and what sounds like a horn section. A very surprising development to the album about half way in is the addition of vocals, which though ambient in nature, still added some interesting hooks to the mix.

While I have said that the band's music is derivative of already-established post rock acts and painted it in a negative light, this does mean that there is an existing audience for this who will undoubtedly appreciate it. This is by no means a weak, or simple debut. There is plenty happening at any given time and many different sounds at work. One thing that I hope 52 Commercial works on though, is the sense of composition. While the actual sounds and harmonies are very well done, alot of the tracks feel that they don't have anywhere to go. Explosions In The Sky (who I consider to be the masters of this particular style) have plenty going on in their music, but theres always the sense that the composition is going somewhere, and strong melodies to hang on to.

While I might be sounding a bit critical here, I do have respect for the work these young musicians have crafted. I wish them the best of luck on their sophomore release, and with a bit of work in developing a unique style, I am sure that I'll be hearing alot more about this group.