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By Dan Miller
RATING: (5
logos is max rating)
Much like Glen Closer’s debut, Pine View
Grocery, this self-titled follow-up is loaded with mid-tempo, understated rock
tunes full of catchy melodies and earnest lyrics. Songs keep repeating in my
mind, like the infectious, REM-guitar-ish “Uncle Uncle,” and the sorrowful “Hung
by a Thread.”
Now a proven Glen Closer trademark, the musicianship is flawless, almost
completely free of the flub-masking effects that other bands hide behind, and
the execution is always soaked in sincerity. Johnna White’s vocals can melt
cryogenically-treated stone, and Joe Rubin and Jim Baeszler are as tight as ever
on vocals, drums and guitars. They make a lot of sound for a trio who obviously
doesn’t rely on studio overdubs and trickery.
My only complaint is that it doesn’t go anywhere Pine View Grocery didn’t
already visit. Glen Closer has stuck with the same formula. While that’s not
really a bad thing, considering the quality of their work, it’s important to
grow from one project to the next; only the Moody Blues and AC/DC can get away
with releasing a ton of albums that sound alike. With the talent oozing from
this band, I was anxious to hear a few new tricks. They unfortunately didn’t
appear on Glen Closer. Judged on its own merits though, this is still a strong
effort worthy of a spot in just about any collection.
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