THe Fresh and Onlys

Album review

Long Slow Dance

added: 23 Sep 2012 // release date: 3 Sep 2012 // label: SouterrainTranmissions
reviewer: Paul Chapinal

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They are from San Francisco and this, their fourth album, can be abbreviated to LSD. So much for originality and busting those Frisco stereotypes, and the band and wouldn�t appear to be too concerned about that, going only by the title track.

However, they are actually better known for a garage sound though with this album they have moved away from their roots and adopted or developed a sound that has a curious English indie ring to it. Take Presence of Mind; its all there from the incessant jingle-guitar, through the lightweight drums and non-vocals. Which is followed by Dream Girls, a laidback, jangly hammock of a tune. Fire Alarm completes a mid-album trio and is a full on galloping pop song with synths that takes us back to the 80s. That may send some running to the hills but it�s not laid on too thick.

As you�d expect from the title The Executioner�s Song is not a barrel of laughs, but its complex Latin rhythms and brass give it generally cheery sheen. Euphoria is as close as they get to an out and out rocker. It the album had closed with its highlight, Foolish Person, which, from a sparse, tribal beginning, halfway through plunges into a glorious psychedelic maelstrom of drums, bass and guitar, they may have had a full complement of stars. As it is, the album closes with the whimsical Wanna Do Right By You, a sorbet of sorts but would much rather have been left shattered by Foolish Person.

Bright and breezy is how this album could superficially be described. They have the enviable knack of writing songs that are easy to grasp and like. But also, if the listener chooses to, songs that are witty, complex and maybe only fully appreciated after a few listens. The performances are excellent throughout and at 35 minutes doesn�t outstay its welcome. It's an excellent display of tight, efficient and accessible songwriting.

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