CD Reviews
New releases from Instead of Sleeping and The Silver Thread, plus Sean Jones plays on a new record by Brandi Disterheft
Instead of Sleeping
The Reds, the Blacks, the Grays
(Self-released)
A 20-minute EP from the local indie-rock four-piece. Clean, bright vocal harmonies, well-written tunes dealing with relationships and such. This band is on the cusp of pop-punk (especially in the vocals), but the tunes are generally a little too downtempo, and the compositions a little too complex, for that label. (At times, Ben Folds even comes to mind.) Not too earnest, but not too jokey; a fine listen.
— Andy Mulkerin
INSTEAD OF SLEEPING CD RELEASE with SIKES, HEATHENS TO HEROES, JEREMY CAYWOOD. 6 p.m. Fri., Sept. 28. The Smiling Moose, 1306 E. Carson St., South Side. $10. All ages. 412-431-4668 or www.smiling-moose.com
The Silver Thread
In the Deepwater Midnite
(Psychodaisy)
EP of triumphantly psyche-y rock tunes from the once-and-again local band (which now enlists the help of former members of Camera and Shade). The straight-ahead, reverby rock stuff is tempered with some weird Red Krayola-type (intentionally) awkward spots to keep it interesting. Melodramatic at times? Maybe. But a solid, good listen with some real highlights (such as the Who-like "Twenty One").
— Andy Mulkerin
Brandi Disterheft
Gratitude
(Justin Time)
The Canadian-born bassist/singer/composer invokes a lot of fine solos from Pittsburgh trumpet player Sean Jones, enhancing four sextet numbers. I find Jones in fluid, fleet form, especially adding eloquence to two ballads. Disterheft plays bass impressively, a solid, sturdy soloist; as composer/arranger, she shows plenty of imagination in her own six pieces. Vancouver compatriot Renee Rosnes plays piano with vibrancy, drive and taste. Moreover, the many colors of New Yorker Anne Drummond's flute enriches many moments. Be thankful.
— Gordon Spencer
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