The Albatross consists of two brothers (Jake on guitar and Ben on drums) and a longtime friend Zack Stoudemayer on bass. Jake sings lead, though Zack and Ben sing a few songs, too. Ben and Zack have been in bands together since they were 13. The Albatross has been playing since 2007 and gigging since 2009. Birds of Paradise is their third studio album. Located in Columbia, South Carolina, the brothers have a love for old music and good pure rock n’ roll, especially from the ‘60s and ‘70s. They describe their style as power pop/blues rock somewhere along the lines of Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones meeting up with Big Star and The Who. Recorded at the University of South Carolina’s School of Music in Columbia, Birds of Paradise, the duo confesses, is a “happier” album than their last one. With positive lyrics and an upbeat sound, Ben and Jake were looking for a bigger sound (i.e. better bottom end bass, and kick drum). They got this bigger sound by playing in a gymnasium-sized studio with high ceilings. They both feel that this latest release does their new batch of songs justice much better than their previous album recordings and mixing quality.
Kicking things off is “I’ve Got (Nothing)” a steady power rocker with a catchy guitar lick, and a style that feels a little like early Weezer, Lemonheads and The Dead Milkmen. “Paradise” begins with an eerily familiar guitar lick (but I can’t quite recall what that song is) – anyway, it has the qualities of a Jimmy Page riff meeting up with alternative pop, country-like rock a la Big Star (jangly guitars included here). “To Malia” has got a groovy beat with a bit of a softer acoustic edge to it. Gentle use of the keyboard can be heard here, too. This one reminded me of the soft rock/teen pop numbers of the ‘70s. “Moonlight” was a fun treat to listen to. It’s definitely a toe-tapping, blues rocking number, that reminded me a little of “Ballroom Blitz” – if this doesn’t get you to at least bob your head, well…. Moving on to “Just Smile” – another power pop rocker that was really fun to listen to. Positive lyrics and a fun rhythm are just what we need these days. I was hearing bands like Slade, Sweet and The Bay City Rollers – I know odd, but hey, it works well here. “Set in Stone” adds a bit of grittiness to the band’s line up. This one has got a bluesier edge to it, which reminded me of some of the blues rock songs from the ‘70s. I swear I heard some cowbell in there, too. “Hurricanes & Rhum Punch” features a reggae rock rhythm, with a great bass line. More akin to a soulful, happier version of The Clash – if there is such a thing. “Back Door Man” has got one heck of an infectious guitar hook and a grittier style overall. There’s some funk going on here, too. I really enjoyed Ben’s use of the floor toms, they sounded so rich and full. In fact, I think the entire band’s use of their instruments are really strong and explosive here – great chemistry. I’d say this tune has the bluesy spirit of early Rolling Stone with the punkish mod sensibilities of The Who. Next up is “Crown of Lights” another fantastic fun song that’s more on the power pop side. Think a little Weezer, a little Beach Boys, (no surfing here, more like Pet Sounds). Last, we have “Movin’ On” – a tune that caught me by surprise. Strictly played on the acoustic, with the four players gathered around live mics – this one really moved me. Think of those old time-y, bluegrass tunes, but without the bluegrass format. This one’s way more contemporary, with influences from other artists. Don’t pass this one up, it was well worth the wait. As a whole, The Albatross has wonderful chemistry and I think their decision to record this album in a larger facility was definitely the right one. As musicians, I was hearing more than just a few of the classic rock acts of the ‘60s and ‘70s. This band has got variety, not to mention good control of their voices and instruments.
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