Low Level Owl: Volume 2 picks up where Volume 1 left off. In fact, the two albums of atmospheric post-emo music were recorded at the same time, and this disc begins with a reprise of the last song on Volume 1. While the sound is similar to the first disc, it begs the question, "Why?" Is there really a need for two albums that sound virtually the same?
One solution might have been to split the discs up differently. Both offer a mix of instrumental tunes as well as songs with introspective lyrics. While the instrumental songs are pleasant listening, they often break up the power of the other songs. It might have been better for the band to release one album of songs with lyrics, and another disc of all instrumental work.
Lyrically, the band stands out on songs like "Strings" and "A Place in Line," where they appear to address the emptiness of our consumerist society, and, in particular, the ills of the record industry.
On its own, Volume two is a good disc, but together with Volume One, it's a bit too much of the same thing.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Bert GanglAs one might glean from the title, Low Level Owl: Volume II is the second of two separately-released installments in a 26-song set from Kansas' Appleseed Cast. As with Low Level Owl: Volume I, which was released in August of this year, Volume II continues the quartet's fondness for lush, atmospheric emo rock compositions. "Strings" ties an engaging guitar line to the group's infectiously oblique…Similar sounding releases
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