Perhaps the best way to describe The Great Talk may be as a throwback to a time when the term ‘indie rock’ had more of a unique sound associated with it; think of the jangly rock that was popular with college radio crowd during the early to mid 90’s. Categorizing any band as indie-rock is a little bit more problematic than it used to be, but if the shoe still fits, wear it. You’ll know what I mean if you listen to the stand out tracks from the album. "Shameless", “Easily Read”, and “Mama Said”: the band sounds garagey, yet the songs are dynamic and filled with catchy hooks.
Led by Steve Teare, 28, the West Philly band has produced a very straight-forward rock album. However, Teare’s warbling vocals play a huge roll in keeping the band from ever sounding derivative. On some tracks, Teare’s leads are forceful and urgent, and at other times are understated or earnest. The same sentiment can be applied to Teare’s lyrics, which range from sarcastic to surreal, and are as interesting and memorable as his voice.
There’s a level of angst present on this record that was not found on the band’s previous recordings. So it is not terribly surprising that hear that after five years, Teare resigned from his job. He was an art teacher in the Philadelphia public school system. Teare tells me he didn’t leave because of the kids (which he loves and still teaches part-time,) but because of the quagmire of problems that the district is famous for. For example, he was frequently laid off, only to be hired back a short time later with the added responsibility of 250 students. Feeling a little like Josef K., Teare tired of being subject of the whims of a system that no one seems to control or even understand. The need for transparency, honesty, and self-determinism come from Teare’s personal experience and is evident on most of the songs on this album.
Like Flat Mary Road’s first album, The Great Talk does have an overall quirky folk feel, but the band doesn’t shy away from other influences. The violin on the title track and “Grey Susan” give the band a certain southern-flare, while the guitars on “Jason” and “To Join a Cult” evoke some of the stoner-rock sound found on the early Built to Spill or Modest Mouse records. But above all else, The Great Talk is a straight-forward rock album, where the band is pioneering their own sound. It is increasingly rare to hear a new album that isn’t attached to at least two sub-genres, or emerged from some sort of scene; but that is exactly what Flat Mary Road’s new LP is, and it is its greatest strength.
………
……………………
For fans of: Drive-By Truckers, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, the “Pete & Pete” theme song, bar bands
Led by Steve Teare, 28, the West Philly band has produced a very straight-forward rock album. However, Teare’s warbling vocals play a huge roll in keeping the band from ever sounding derivative. On some tracks, Teare’s leads are forceful and urgent, and at other times are understated or earnest. The same sentiment can be applied to Teare’s lyrics, which range from sarcastic to surreal, and are as interesting and memorable as his voice.
There’s a level of angst present on this record that was not found on the band’s previous recordings. So it is not terribly surprising that hear that after five years, Teare resigned from his job. He was an art teacher in the Philadelphia public school system. Teare tells me he didn’t leave because of the kids (which he loves and still teaches part-time,) but because of the quagmire of problems that the district is famous for. For example, he was frequently laid off, only to be hired back a short time later with the added responsibility of 250 students. Feeling a little like Josef K., Teare tired of being subject of the whims of a system that no one seems to control or even understand. The need for transparency, honesty, and self-determinism come from Teare’s personal experience and is evident on most of the songs on this album.
Like Flat Mary Road’s first album, The Great Talk does have an overall quirky folk feel, but the band doesn’t shy away from other influences. The violin on the title track and “Grey Susan” give the band a certain southern-flare, while the guitars on “Jason” and “To Join a Cult” evoke some of the stoner-rock sound found on the early Built to Spill or Modest Mouse records. But above all else, The Great Talk is a straight-forward rock album, where the band is pioneering their own sound. It is increasingly rare to hear a new album that isn’t attached to at least two sub-genres, or emerged from some sort of scene; but that is exactly what Flat Mary Road’s new LP is, and it is its greatest strength.
………
……………………
For fans of: Drive-By Truckers, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, the “Pete & Pete” theme song, bar bands
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