Categories : Music Reviews, Rock + Pop.
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Rating: 4/5 Released: 2007 Reviewer: Trent Depue |
On 200 Years, the follow up to The Payola Reserve’s praiseworthy debut, One Long Apology, lead singer Ben Pragner and the rest of his bandmates successfully evade any sophomore jinx and continue to produce the eclectic sampling of rock, folk and alt-country that gave their first record its appeal.
While up-beat rock numbers like ‘Portrait Society’ and ‘Lost Wind Craze’ quickly generate interest, slower paced tracks like the America-sounding ‘All Things are Better in Heaven,’ possess an equal charm. The second half of the album, while tapering off slightly, does still possess one of the more intense moments, as ‘Going Army’ shifts tempos for the last third of the song and Pragner sings over a harmonica and electric guitar lead outro.
With full creative control of this project, having written recorded and produced it themselves, 200 Years possesses an atmosphere that can only be fashioned when you know there are no outside influences at work. From the social commentaries that carry over from the debut, and commence immediately on the first track, to the varying nature of their musical style, The Payola Reserve possess a singular sound that, though widely accessible, is still unique.
