Tweet

Album Details

• Artist: Walking Concert
• Album: Run To Be Born
• Label: Some
• Year of Release: 2005
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2005-06-09

Walter Schreifels is proving to be a hard nut to crack. His 1989 album with Gorilla Biscuits is still a hardcore reference point and Quicksand needs no introduction for the number of bands who have tried to copy Manic Compression. Then he opens up and lets us in with his amazing United By Fate album as Rival Schools. Now we have this Walking Concert thing. Yes, it is a new band and if you are a Schreifels junky then let me prepare you. This ain't no Quicksand, Rival Schools and definitely not a Gorilla Biscuits. Walking Concert is a pop album. Not post-pop, post-rock, post-punk but pop proper. There are a few times where you hear a Pavement-esque sound like on "Audrey" or "Hands Up". Walter is a much better singer than Malkmus has ever been. "The Animals" really reveals a similarity to Canadian pop-smith Sam Roberts. There are times where you might even recall the Flaming Lips. But rest assured Walter and the rest of Walking Concert have their own sound. These are well crafted pop tunes that don't grate at all. There isn't even a nod to Schreifels past on the entire album. A left curve that provides a home run.
Sadly, as almost happen to me, Walking Concert has met with little notice. This is one of the finest pop albums this year, filled with catchy hooks and some beautiful and amazing musicianship and songwriting. Run, don't walk, to find this album. It will be definitely worth your time and money.

User Reviews and Comments

Log In or Register to Rate Albums