With a name like Ameroafriasiana, you might think the Throes had taken a leap into the realm of multi-cultural pop. Instead, Throes leader William Campbell uses the phrase, and other non-sequiturs, to draw word pictures open to individual interpretation (my favorite example comes from "Fortune," where Campbell offers his audience "Tugs & misses, calling wishes, fortunes just a day away / Bells & whistles, fluffy missiles, comedy's best friend today"). His lyrics give enough reference points to a spiritual view to deliver his "message." But, often he out-clevers himself, and his wordplay and effusiveness just sound vague. Ex-Throes drummer and Poole frontman Harry Evans co-produces the record with Campbell. Together, they give the Throes the sharpest, most energetic sound they have enjoyed since their debut, All the Flowers Growing in Your Mother's Eyes. "Understanding" opens the disc with acoustic-based rock melodies, swirling guitars and soaring vocals, bringing to the Throes a new musical depth, despite Campbell's often off-key singing. Gone are most of the drone experiments of 12before9, the Throes' previous album, in favor of songs with more kick and punch and hooks that grab the listener's ear. The use of such pop devices, combined with Campbell's quizzical lyrics, is the strength of Ameroafriasiana--the sign of growth that hopefully signals even better things to come.
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