The Picture
Connect
Lovely Recordings (December 2005)
words:
Anna Loosli
This Brooklyn band is consciously attempting to bridge the US/UK gap as far as indie rock is concerned, and they do a pretty decent job at it. On their debut album,
The Picture goes further than most current “indie rock” bands seem willing to do by opening up the genre to incorporate the classic sound of bands other than Joy Division or Gang of Four, such as U2, The Byrds, and even The Beatles. Yet, while paying homage to these older bands The Picture has also managed to forge their own unique musical style.
The Picture’s first full-length effort,
Connect, is a compilation of songs written with the express purpose of realizing the best of what the band and the current musical scene have to offer. Their radio single, “Blind Side”, is a great example of their talent, but while it is certainly radio-friendly I feel that the album is better listened to as an experience, not just individual songs. The songs on the album progress in complexity and depth, and while “Blind Side” is a smart choice for a single because it incorporates all of the elements that make a good song great – catchy lyrics, great development and execution, combined with a tight blend of guitars and drums – my favorite song on the album is “Rise.” The track begins with a simple guitar progression followed by keys that melt away before the vocals kick in. The keys remind me of some of the early Cure albums, echoing and haunting the background of the lyrics. I think it is my favorite song because it has a sort of redeeming quality to it, “Rise above the ways.”
Connect ends with the song, “Walking in Flight,” a fitting finale for this debut because it encompasses many of the lyrical and musical themes found throughout the rest of the record. Stylistically, it completes the progression between the earlier and later songs, yet leaves the listener wanting to hear more. I, at least, wasn’t ready for the album to end and wanted to learn where The Picture was going to take me next.
When I interviewed Rob and Chris a few weeks ago, I tried to come up with a label and name for their music. At the time I was rather unprepared because I hadn’t had a chance to listen to their album yet, but now I can agree that the term “marvelous” is applicable, along with “indie rock,” “indie pop/rock,” although “brilliant” is one I am withholding until I hear the next record, as I definitely look forward to hearing what these guys have coming up next.
Comments