The Santiago Steps

Item: A-flutter
Author: Dr. Bruce L. Thiessen

A-flutter

(2002)

Reviewed by Dr. Bruce L. Thiessen

TIDAL Spotify YouTube Music

Label Dorcal-monsterThe Phantom Tollbooth2002

indie rock new wave pop rock

Have you ever had one of those days when your mind feels like a minefield? You don't want to be confronted or challenged. You don't want to be reminded of past mistakes or confronted on any hot personal issues. On a day like this, the last thing you need is some hardcore punk or metal band using your mind as a punching bag, pounding mercilessly on your ear drums, or holding out a gratuitous offering of primal scream therapy. On A-flutter, The Santiago Steps step lightly on your heart and dance softly on your soul with an energetic ten-song melange of playful, retro-charged tunes.

While the album offers no clearly defined path to redemption, it certainly has redeeming value. Hints of Violent Femmes' frontman Gordon Gano's understated nasally voice can be heard in Chris Davidson's treatment. (By the way, in the alternative rock world, that's a good thing!) He trades vocals with Carolyn Davidson, who sports a spunky-sweet voice and a little attitude to boot. She is a woman of protean capabilities, as showcased in her nicely tailored flute, accordion, guitar and sax touches, which add a Cake-like flavor to the otherwise 80's new wave influence of the band. Poetically pleasing lyrics such as "parrots in the orange tree who sail a citrus ship upon a grassy sea . . . (Parrots in Orange Trees)" also reflect a bit of the wit of Cake frontman John McCrea, or perhaps the other Shakespeare of modern rock, Beck. And there is much more where that came from. Who could forget the priceless last line of the last song, Wake -- "there are prices you can learn to love to pay"?

This is clearly an escape album, and while denial and diversion are no paths to self-knowledge and personal growth, I would not hesitate to offer this CD as a musical prescription to many of my patients. Let's face it, the bread of life is not always easy to swallow, so a little peanut butter and jelly sandwiched between the whole wheat slices of spiritual truth can make it all go down a lot easier.

If you're looking for deep insight, you won't find it perched beside the parrots in "Parrots in Orange Trees," the most radio-friendly song on the CD. If you want to plant your feet firmly on higher ground, you won't find your firm footing or higher stride on "The Frisbee Slide." And while the instrumental "So. Grand Riot" won't raise the dead or exorcise any demons, it could almost stand toe to toe with Cake's Arco Arena. If you're looking to bravely explore the dark abyss of your unconscious, stimulate your intellect, or rise to a new level of spiritual awareness, you'd best look elsewhere. But if your mind's eye is in need of a little shuteye, and you're looking for a harbor to rest your soul this one's for you. You'll find this burst of fresh air to be a source of rejuvenation to get you through the minefield of your mind. It's just what the doctor ordered. Maybe you should too.

3.5 tocks