As Tall As Lions is an alternative rock band from Long Island, New York. Their sound is characterized by slow grooves and melodies, but they also incorporate more upbeat straight-forward rock. Fittingly, some categorize their music as alt-smooth. While many indie rock bands have been incorporating electronic music to create electro-dance, As Tall As Lions does the opposite by using electronic sounds to add textures to their mellower tracks. Standout tracks from their self-titled album included the pop gem "Love, Love, Love" that received quite a bit of critical praise. "Milk and Honey" is one of my favorite mid-tempo rock tracks of all time. The band does an excellent job at these slow to mid-tempo tracks highlighted by lead singer Dan Nigro's soaring vocals. Without a better comparison in mind, they're like a more interesting and edgier Coldplay.
As Tall As Lions has returned with You Can't Take It With You. The new album builds on the band's sound and takes it in a more progressive direction. They don't waste time introducing you to their more progressive than poppy sound. "Circles," the album's aggressive opener, is easily one of the most memorable tracks. It climaxes with a guitar solo just the way I like them; distorted, yet melodic. My favorite track is the ultra-smooth and dreamy title track. It rivals the beauty of the aforementioned "Milk and Honey" from their last album.
The 8-minute plus "Duermete" exemplifies the band's more progressive sound. It's a driving ballad that closes with a minute or so of atmospheric electronica that would be at home on a Portishead album. "In Case of Rapture" brings up the tempo to its highest point thus far. The bluesy "We's Been Waitin'" is another memorable track and shows the band opening up their range a bit. It's the type of song that could be a bit polarizing among the fan base. It took me a few listens to really appreciate it.
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