Categories : Music Reviews, Rock + Pop.
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Rating: 4/5 Released: April 4, 2006 Reviewer: Nathan Atnikov |
On their debut album, Baltimore based The Payola Reserve create blissful ‘70s-inspired pop that blends Elvis Costello with Tom Petty, and throw in a little modern day alt-country for good measure. The song writing team of Ben Pranger and Al Pacheco are surprisingly comfortable on their first effort, as One Long Apology displays the confidence of seasoned veterans, not first-timers.
Throughout most of the album, the band elegantly manages to make social commentary without sounding pretentious. Opener ‘Music Is Not Music’ has all the potential to be a boring retread, but manages to avoid it. The real gem, however, is ‘Brave New Radio,’ on which Pranger channels Ric Ocasek with such enthusiasm that you can’t help but be sucked in.
Brimming with equal parts cockiness and playfulness – both well deserved – The Payola Reserve make a concerted statement with One Long Apology. This is one band to keep a serious eye on.
Buy One Long Apology from iTunes >> 
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