CD Reviews
New releases from The Woodpile, New Victorians, Michael Christopher, The Reformation
by Andy Mulkerin @andybotpgh
The Woodpile
Life Vacation
(30K Records)
Every once in a while a CD comes across my desk that's different. I'm not saying this is the best local album I've heard this year, but it's unconventional, in a good way. Punk riffs, understated vocals, some self-conscious weirdness, song titles like "Are You Freaking Out Yet?" — outsider-y, and worthy of a second listen.
Michael Christopher
You and the Open Road
(Self-released)
Debut album of mainstream-style country from the local songwriter. I won't claim to be an expert on the genre and it's not necessarily my thing, but Christopher's vocals are strong and his songwriting the same. By-the-book contemporary country that's done as well as anyone working locally. Great first effort.
New Victorians
New Victorians
(Self-released)
First of a trilogy of records from the band — formerly Ben Hardt and the Symphony — centered around a historical love story set in World War II-era London. Hardt's thing, as a songwriter and a singer, is confidence: He's a storyteller, but also a powerful, self-assured presence. Think '80s pop but with lots of strings — pretty songs for a rainy day.
The Reformation
The Reformation
(Self-released)
Slow-building, churning prog rock on the band's debut record. Goes from ambient weirdness to driving blues rock and back, with a sense of focus occasionally the casualty. Strong point: the easy-rocking "Between Two Times," though the lyrics get a little overly complicated now and then.
More by Andy Mulkerin
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Tonight: Behold ... the Arctopus at Belvedere's
- Mar 12, 2013
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The Composure covers "Closing Time," plays Altar tonight
- May 16, 2013
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