4.0 out of 5 stars
melodically like some kind of dreamtime background soundtrack, September 11, 2007
This review is from: The Path of Least Resistance by The States (Audio CD)
Upcoming trio The States is comprised of two Harvard graduates - Chris Snyder and Previn Warren - and the drummer, Joe Stroll, who answered their Craigslist ad for a percussionist. Circumstantial fate did a good job bringing these guys together because their diverse musical interests are complementary creating a sound both unique and powerful. The songs on The Path of Least Resistance, their second album, often come out sounding melodically like some kind of dreamtime background soundtrack despite fierce bursts of guitar and synthesizer. Chris Snyder is the vocalist lending an echo throughout the album that encourages this dreaming sense while nicely complementing the stand-out sound created by his bandmates.
The States are three thoughtfully inspired young men who tackle the task of becoming a politically charged band without force-feeding any activist mantra to their listeners. Their songs explore complicated social issues such as gentrification and nation building. This is no simple "beat up on the president" bout of bitching like many politically inclined musicians; The States want to make people think about the more intricate issues that create social unrest. For example, the song "New Land" addresses housing trade-ups with lyrics like, "And we think we're explorers in a new land. We'll build a monument to middle class, but not in my backyard, so we suburbanize the ghetto, price the poorest out. Columbus would be proud." This sort of direct wording makes listeners think more deeply about social and economic disparities while still enjoying the melodious licks of this stellar band.
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