Album Details

• Artist: Try Me Bicycle
• Album: Voicings
• Label: N/A
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2008-12-13

From the dry and paltry city of Phoenix come the unexpectedly lush and organic sounds of Try Me Bicycle. They formed up over time into a 4-piece, fronted by main songsmith Andrew Naylor (Vocals, Guitar) and rounded out by long-time collaborator Jay Novak (Bass) and Jacob Koller (Piano). Violinist Laraine Kaizer rounds out the group. Voicings is their debut effort and it comes off as not much of one at all, the soulful Coffeehouse smooth folky rock flowing gently with practiced attention to melodic songwriting and plenty of open space to let each musical performance shine through.

As individuals, each brings an essential touch to Naylor's intimate brushstrokes. Overall, Voicings could (and perhaps should) be considered an indie-pop record, as it is undeniably catchy from front to back. But not in any unusual, try-hard manner, mind you; they know how to write fantastically anti-frilled epics, like the quick-picked harmony of opener "Two Stern Feet", or the Arcade Fire-ish brooding hopefulness that washes over "Big Small". Think a modern Simon & Garfunkel, playing a small Poetry Night gig at your local corner Java Joint/Bookshop/Used Vinyl Store.

The only regret I can state about my time with Voicings is that it didn't get a chance to make my Best of the Year list, as it was dropped sometime last year. Otherwise, i've nothing but praise for this beautifully-produced, wonderfully-written piece of folk-pop, which strikes as both prepared with the big-time in mind and so deliciously intimate and personal as to be a truly humbling experience. Grab this and listen when you need a peaceful, thoughtful backdrop to some creative endeavor. Spiritually uplifting.   

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