Strangely Alright - The Time Machine Is broken

Strangely Alright

The Time Machine Is Broken
self-released; 2013

3.9 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Regan Lane is the circus leader of Strangely Alright which is a band that produces often exuberant pop songs that tip their hat more to the 60’s 70’s and 80’s than anything else within the last 20 years.  The band started to form when Lane met Ken Schaff (bass and background vocals) and their mutual sense of musical aesthetics were similar so they decided to form a band. With 11 songs in hand that would become The Time Machine Is Broken they needed to flush out their sound. As luck would have it they found their adversaries in Jeff Reiner (guitars), Preston Darvill (drums and percussion) and Lee Gregory (keyboards, vocals). I'm glad they got together because they made a well- produced, professional album that is also an enjoyable listen. Although most of their music feels derivative of 60’s 70’s and 80’s they also could at times be labeled as an  “indie” band. They kind of sound like Super Furry Animals at points and they mix in some components that make them sound like they could hang with some of the bands who played at Pitchfork this summer.. Anyway you look at it these are songs you are going to want to check out.

The Time Machine Is Broken doesn't waste anytime letting you know it arrives with “Train to Nowhere” as the whole band kicks in from the start. The song has a Bowie-esque feel to it with well-placed background vocals, and progressive, uplifting guitars. I was expecting a guitar solo and there it was. Luckily, it was short and sweet and didn’t  overstay its welcome. One of the highlights of the album is “So Right It Can’t Be Wrong” which has distinct 80’s overtones that blends with a contemporary framework and creates quite an appealing recipe.  Arguably the best vocal performance on the album is “Crying Shame” while “Before The Fall” is one of the more melancholy cuts on the album. The album closes with “U and Me” which is surely a sing- a-long in college bars in some alternative universe.

This is good music with great production and really doesn't have a dud on the album. If you are into some of the bigger bands from the 70’s and 80’s this will be one you won't want to miss.

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