In the 60's, The Beach Boys were the epitome of a radio friendly tune. With intricate yet simple vocal harmonies and guitars more jangly than a rack of charm bracelets, they took the airwaves by storm. Perhaps Eric Johnson of the Fruit Bats remembers those days. His smoothly calm vocals that call to mind the famous group would have you think so anyway. Along with Gillian Lisee, who adds her own elegant vocals, the Fruit Bats create a record that's both relaxing and quirky while retaining a freshness that seems lost from so many folk/indie rock bands these days that are more obsessed with catching radio airplay than crafting a good tune that would be worth hearing in the first place.
"Rainbow Sign" is laid back and even throws in a xylophone at the end of the song for good measure. "A Bit of Wind" sees Eric singing in a way reminiscent of Beck amidst a backdrop of smattered keyboards and steel guitars. "The Little Acorn" shuffles along quietly and has an almost countryesque vibe to it that brings to mind long drives in the deserts in a truck with no AC and tons of things on the mind. "Seaweed" opens with an acoustic riff that calls to mind John Denver while the vocal style also lends much to that man who sang odes to "country roads" and "the rocky mountain highs." "When U Love Somebody" opens with a quirky synth alongside a midpaced bass drum before leaping into a full on alt-country fest.
For fans of Wilco, Beck and everything in-between, this is an excellent record that will give flashbacks of better days and times to jaded folk and indie rockers.
B
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