Album Details

• Artist: Systems Officer
• Album: Underslept
• Label: Temporary Residence
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2009-12-19

A solo outing by Three Mile Pilot bassist Armisteas Burwell Smith IV, "Underslept" gives him a chance to show off some of his other musical chops. Recorded in his home studio, with all the high, slightly sad Dave Davies-esque vocals and layered arrangements done by Smith alone, this is a showcase for vocals and dense, layered arrangements. This is moody but smart, dense, slightly epic prog-pop.

"Pacer"'s gorgeous harmonies filter into the  lo-fi "Quan;" a jittery, piano-driven "Oui" sets up We Breathe Dust", an art song that is almost a perfect, beautifully exectued pop song. "Sand'", in versions I & II, make the best use of Smith's meditative but adventurous bass, and are highlighted by a moving orchestral arrangement.

With an opportunity to put all his ideas to work alone, Armisteas Burwell Smith IV,  as Systems Officer,  shows that those ideas are fully formed. "Underslept" is hardly groggy; this is a solid, confident sonic exploration, built on rhythm and emotionally honest singing.

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