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 EVEN
IN BLACKOUTS
- Myths and Imaginary Magicians (Band
Site) If you’ve been reading Askew Reviews for the past few years,
then you certainly know what it means when I write that a cd has found a
home on the top shelf of my cd rack. If you do not know what that means;
only what I consider to be the best cds (see The
Medveds, Flogging Molly, Darkbuster)
make it to the top shelf of my cd rack. These venerable cds make it there
because they are so good and deserve to be hoisted over my other cds
making them easily accessible for quick listening. When in need for a
music fix, there’s no need to fumble around looking for that great disc.
As I am sure you’re well aware of where this review is going, I still
must write, declare, and announce that the real estate on my top shelf has
just diminished with the inclusion of Even in Blackouts. Ok, the cd case
has found residence on the top shelf, the cd itself has been in my car
since it’s been in my possession because that’s where I listen to 95%
of my music and spend approx 80 miles a day. Even in Blackouts, the newest
musical project by Screeching Weasel co-founder/guitarist John Jughead, is
best described as acoustic pop punk with female lead vocals. However, the
label “acoustic” is a weak term since the music sounds deeper than
that with the three guitars perfectly arranged with the bass and drums.
Topping off the magnificently played music are Liz Eldredge’s intriguing
vocals. Liz’s sound is a complex combination of vulnerable sounding
sweetness backed with a strong sense of confidence and an “I could be
the best or worst thing that ever happened to you” attitude. Since I
love every song on this cd and this review is already getting a bit too
wordy, I’m only going to hit on my absolute favorites here; Although the
lyrics in “If Leaving Were To Be So Easy” are the same few sentences
repeated over and over, the sound of Liz’s voice and her need for space
is so profoundly heard, it pulled me in and made this song a favorite
right off the bat. For reasons I can’t explain, other than it musically
and lyrically sounds cool, “Summer Comes” is simply a great song.
“Missing Manifesto” and “Love Cynical Style” are right up there as
well. Amongst the twelve tunes here are a few covers; Screeching
Weasel’s “Hey Suburbia” and Operation Ivy’s "Knowledge.”
Perfectly arranged music, dead on vocals for such music, and great lyrical
content is what makes this cd a great listen. You get the ol’ triple
play music fans. You’ve read the review, now buy the cd. You won’t be
disappointed. – Denis Sheehan
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