 To actually stand out in a sea of lemmings is an extraordinary
affair. That isn’t to say that sounding like, err…Talking
Heads is something to rile against per se, but in the indie-era
of mass production, to go your own way is rare indeed. Enter Crystal Skulls; this Seattle troupe has little in common with any of their immediate peers. Instead of angular post-Fall inspired riffage or the art-damaged tones of their angsty neighbors, these boys have studied their AM radio classics finding as much in common with Donald Fagen as say contemporary homeboys the Sea and Cake. Just one year ago, Crystal Skulls released their debut, “Blocked Numbers,” to enthusiastic praise from critics, along with a warm and welcoming embrace from lovers of pop music. Listeners discovered a band touting smart and stylish songs nestled comfortably into the folds and corners of various timeframes and musical movements. The band toured heavily supporting The Wedding Present, Black Mountain, Headphones, Two Gallants winning fans as they criss-crossed the nation. Crooner Christian Wargo along with bandmates Yuuki Matthews, Ryan Phillips, and Casey Foubert delivered a thoughtful, eloquent, and singular record. With a bite of George Harrison’s guitar and a nip at Stereolab’s rhythms, "Blocked Numbers" was a true pop pleasure with enough meat to keep fans well fed for decades to come. But Crystal Skulls don’t fuck around and a mere 12 months after “Blocked Numbers” their second full-length album, “Outgoing Behavior,” finds the band forging full steam ahead. Channeling a cocky hint of Meat Is Murder era-Smiths and sitting on a treasure chest of songs that Todd Rundgren would gladly “drop trou” for, the band has carved a distinct niche in the vibrant Pacific Northwest climate. But to get too caught up in the past would be retro-active, there is something more contemporary here and while the familiar soulful sway of a post-granola Grateful Dead mixes with brisk and brittle wit–their studio trickery still bubbles with modernity. So as “Outgoing Behavior” unfolds the ante is upped considerably, songs bounce along while vocalist Wargo’s nu-lounge swagger carries his well-honed band through eleven tracks of smokey AM glory. Despite their best attempts at downplaying their chops the band has prepared a record that is as starkly original as it is daring. And while trends might come and go, it is refreshing to hear-if only for a minute-something distinct, something honest, something "new". |
