Monday, June 24, 2013

#EDAS Album Review: Statistics, Peninsula

  

by Matt (@EDAS2Go)

Label: Afternoon Records
June 25, 2013
NOW AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD HERE

Style: F-Zero
Miami Vice Swag,
Japanese Crossover Potential

Audience: Deep White V-Necks,
Late Night Internet Cafe Hoppers,
Hot Air Balloonists,
Cool Cars Driving Through Tunnels

Better Tracks: Take The Lead,
Waiting, Look Alive
Nineteen Ninety Nine,
Pictures of Success

One of the true great guys in this business, Denver Dalley has a talent for doing it right the first time. Whether it's smashing guitars in Desaparecidos, droppin funky basslines with Har Mar Superstar, writing two solo projects or saving mexican orphans, this is not a person who gives any less than all of himself. I can sit here and gush about how this guy is legitimately one of our great americans, but his pet project Statistics is releasing it's first album, Peninsula, in over 8 years tomorrow and he personally gave me an advance copy.

Here's the scoop in PR Speak:
"It’s been 8 years since the last Statistics album. Peninsula has been in the works for the past 5. But it doesn’t sound labored or meticulous. The album is instead made up of songs that have stood the test of time, that are at once nostalgic and cutting edge... The grooving “Take the Lead,” featuring Har Mar Superstar, could easily have been a single off of Justin Timberlake’s Justified... A mellow cover of Rilo Kiley’s “Picture of Success” rounds out the record, its sparse arrangement showcasing Dalley’s subtle vocal power."
Denver with Desaparecidos
2.27.2013 @ Webster Hall
Usually this press stuff is just gibberish, but in this case it is spot on. Peninsula is a dynamic and vibrant return from a long hiatus. A versatile offering with twinkly electrojams, dance-rockers, acoustic handwritten ballads, and a just touch of legit, early-2000's Emo. As a band member, Denver is reliable enough to show up and play any instrument at the finest level, but as a mouthpiece, he has the unique ability to disarm and get right to the heart of the matter.

I did have a slight unquenched thirst for some guitar smashing bangers, but considering how hard Denver rocks as integral parts of Desa and Har Mar, I can understand his use of Stats as a more reserved, serene-sounding outlet. It may be on the softer side but if you choose to pass, know you will be missing out on some introspective songwriting on top of excellent arrangement and production.

Verdict: This is a peek into the mind of one of today's most versatile treasures. Like anything worthwhile, it may take time grow on you and you'll be glad it did. Download it for FREE at the Afternoon Records Site.

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