I discovered this band in the internet a while ago, in November 2005, still before this album was released, and instantly fell in love with the voice of the singer. A closer and precise look at the lyrics (that you can read on www.alsomusic.com) then just enabled me to get even more behind the full brilliance in their song-writing. Drew Conrad sings from a depth, up powerfully to vulnerable heights – the sustaining vibrato of his vocals creeps into your ears and won’t let go of you, like something that has become a part of you.
The songs’ subjects are very personal, whether they are about loss of love, disappointing friendships, of growing up and its residual consequences ("it was fine to be kind when you were young, fine to be in love with being in love") or of underlying critique on the anonymous superficiality in their hometown Los Angeles (“The Lunch Crowd”): No matter if sarcastic, ironic or heart-rendingly straightforward, the writing always bears witness of well-conceived and pondered maturity. Musically, the whole album “It Was Fine To Be Kind” is outstanding and distinguished by interesting dynamics full of power and energy which accentuate the highs and lows of these stories.
You put in the CD and find yourself indulged in thoughtfulness that will eventually clear in blissful redemption again by every time you have finished it. Soft melodies that once hover in dreaminess (“The Present”) and even in elegiac woes (“Can’t Shake This”) , then again strike in undeniably danceable, uplifting guitar pop (“Kingdom Gone”, „Know Your Walls“) without sloping to ridicule. Vivid but subtle drums and groovy bass lines never slap in the face, however they are consciously and intendedly present at where they are.
"Also" seem a little arbitrary and stashed at times (such as the minimalist trickling, slurping pedalled guitar-lines that add tinges of lo-fi obscurity to the otherwise full sound) and then all of a sudden they can hail down to throbbing, virtually anarchic pounds ("The Disappearing Heart").
One can hear so many hints of rock greats here, and still one doesn’t know how to classify their music appropriately which is probably the reason why this band is still fairly unknown. But most likely that’s exactly what Also listeners enjoy the most: They have something very idiosyncratic, indescribable to them.
The music of “Also” could very well be as much appreciated by fans of harder post-grunge, experimental or alternative bands as indie listeners in the likes of Wilco or Death Cab For A Cutie, but also be cherished by melancholy fanatics, Americana folkers or other witty rockers. On top, even for adult contemporary lovers it'll do.
You can hear some Brit pop here too, some Smiths & Morrissey and with a little fantasy – even the tender charms of Jacques Brel chansons.
You’ll be amazed by the versatility of this record in time, whether it’s an emotional journey or just good times. You better keep an eye on the development of this indie trio!
That there has been no record deal for such superb and distinctive musicians yet is more than surprising, but unfortunately life has taught that the latter doesn’t necessarily have talent or creativity coming with it, but merely the most expedient categorization or right stamp on the music. It is consistent to pursue one’s music though, since it’s worth to mention that this album is independently recorded, produced and self-funded on the band’s own bill. Also, this is possible! Vive la révolution!
This could very well be tomorrow’s overlooked debut classic.
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It takes something special to make me buy a CD these days...this is one of those occasions.
Having been introduced to Also by a new friend on MySpace I knew straight away I was going to like this band.
With only 3 members of the group they make a big sound,the musicianship is superb and Drew Conrad has an amazing powerful voice.
If there was any justice in the world Also would be huge,when you consider some of the rubbish clogging up the airwaves!
The whole CD is great but special mentions must be given for Return of the Swallows and Breather which are both outstanding.
More special mentions for the CD artwork as well by Kim Rosen,it`s fantastic.
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