There's been an increasing trend over the past few years where hip-hop albums are re-released with the lyrics removed, leaving only the beats and production to the listener's contemplation. It's an interesting tactic, especially considering the density of some of the albums which have gotten this treatment. At times, I wish someone would consider applying that ethic to rock albums. All of This and More, the new album from Cincinnati band Staggering Statistics, is a prime candidate for such treatment.
Part of my conviction on the above statement stems from the fact these guys can write a damn fine song. You've got the well-traveled Austin Brown on guitar and vocals, Joe Klug on drums, and John Curley (former member of one of the greatest bands of the '90s). Put them in the same room and you get a solid indie rock band who sound like they were born to play together.
Most of the songs build from mellow to a rolling boil - "Circus Train" shows they can do low-key introspection, but their strengths are shown off on songs like "Alternate Ending" or "Matter of Time." The latter is a perfect example of what these guys do right: What starts as a mid-tempo rocker gathers steam (and handclaps) over the course of its six minutes until it closes out as a fuzzed-out give-and-take between Brown and Curley, with Klug's sharp timekeeping supporting the both of them. I rather enjoy instrumental rock albums, and I don't see why there shouldn't be more, especially from guys as talented as Staggering Statistics.
There's another level to my thesis, though - stripping out the vocals would remove the weak point in Staggering Statistics's arsenal. Austin Brown is a fine guitarist, and his clean production highlights each member's talents without allowing anyone to monopolize. However, his vocal range is not broad. This wouldn't be a problem if he stuck to the lower registers; the slight nasal timbre of his voice carries a bit of Elvis Costello within it, and in songs like "Nothing's Forever" and "Circus Train" the mellow melody his pipes produce complement the music like curry does chicken.
Article comments