|
Upon hearing Pseudopod's self titled-debut on Interscope Records (Major Label-do I sense a trend?), I wasn't quite sure why I was reviewing the album for JamBase of all places. The band that Rolling Stone.Com recently called "the best college band in America," seemed to be pretty poppy for Jamheads, but then again I haven't seen them live and I am basing this strictly off only hearing the album. I tell myself I don't like pop music, but I must admit I sometimes find myself singing along to John Mayer on the radio, the Rory Lowe Band is pretty cool and there is this new guy playing around NYC, Nicos Kennedy, who is off the hook. This album is a Jamband-at-heart's attempt at a mainstream record and they succeed pretty well. They have 12 nicely-crafted, upbeat catchy tunes on this album.
The lead singer, Kevin Carlberg sounds like a cross between Adam Duritz and the guy from Rusted Root, with a little bit of Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20 thrown in. It grows on you believe it or not.
I really didn't like this disc at first. So I put it away for a week or two and pulled it out and gave it another shot. You know how when you first hear something you may not like it, but then you keep listening to it and you end up liking it? Well that's kind of what happened, I ended up digging some of the album after all.
The first track, "Intentions," is destined for KISS 108FM, right after the Duncan Sheik tune and right before that annoying Gin Blossoms song. Right now you're probably thinking "Which Gin Blossom's song, they're all annoying?" Well, you're right, pick one. On the next track, "Never Mind the Matter," they break out the saxophone adding a kind of Dave Matthews touch to their sound. One of my favorite tunes on the album, "Shrinks," has a really neat riff on it by guitarist Ross Grant. The next tune, "Dante," also has some cool guitar work, although I didn't really like the track. Another standout, "Come and See the Light," has a beautiful classical guitar solo in it and a nice chorus. There could even be one or two more radio singles in there somewhere.
The album overall has great melodies to it and a nice tight production, which results in a very very crisp sounding album. The guitar work is excellent, with nicely placed solos and some colorful, fun chords. If the word gets out about Pseudopod they could catch on like wildfire. Pop is where it's at these days and there are a few "Jambands" that could easily cross-over and Pseudopod is one of them.
Sam Katz
JamBase Boston Correspondent
Go See Live Music!
|
