5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
top 5 of 2008, January 3, 2009
This review is from: Beating Back the Claws of the Cold (Audio CD)
When I listened to the KEXP listener's voted top albums of year I was positive that this album would make the top 10. I was wrong. It didn't make the list.
It makes my top 5 of the year along with Fleet Foxes, Vampire Weekend, Bon Iver, and Ratatat. I'm confused.
This is the best alternative album of the year. The overall sense reminds me of Tapes 'n Tapes debut: an up-beat, exciting, novel, exciting album.
One of the most notable elements on this album is the sitar. It isn't used in the effort to establish a middle eastern sound, but rather adds a unique quality to the record. The Pica Beats use the sitar as if it is any other instrument...and this is a good thing.
The album opens with Poor Old Ra, an exciting acoustic bit with clever, intelligent lyrics. The album progresses with all the energy of a band wanting make something new. I can't highlight all of my favorites but will point out a few. Cognac and Rum is a superb song, building slowly to an epic rhythm. Hope, Was Not A Smith Family Tradition has all the elements of an excellent family saga. And like the entire album, the rhythm established by the Pica Beats ensures an epic, yet accessible feeling in the record. Hikkomori... and Shallow Dive are perfect songs.
Overall, this is the best band that you aren't listening to. I highly recommend it to any alternative fan looking for something fresh and new.
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