Review Summary: Algernon Cadwallader's debut album is a fun listen and will leave you in a good mood almost every time. They sound like they worship Cap'n Jazz, but in a good way.
Algernon Cadwallader are a relatively new band from the Philadelphia music scene who sound like they came straight out of the Chicago indie scene from the late 90's. Their debut album Some Kind of Cadwallader is great for anyone that's a fan of the many projects of indie musician Tim Kinsella (Cap'n Jazz, Joan Of Arc, Owls). Anyone who is familiar with those projects will probably see this band as the clones of Cap'n Jazz, but in a good way. There aren't too many bands like this in today's music so it's nice to see a new band drawing back to a sound that's not heavily recycled by a lot of bands today. Either way, this band is just fun to listen to for those looking to reminisce and for new listeners.
Algernon Cadwallader's strongest asset is their rhythm section. Their music has an extremely raw sound and each member's contributions standing out fantastically. The vocals are very rough and emotional, the bass helps provide some great hooks, the drumming is very solid and the guitar-work is spectacular as it gives the songs some very powerful melodies. These melodies combined with the singer's vocals make the band simply fun to listen to and will leave you in a good mood just about every time. They also incorporate a few other percussion instruments like tambourines, wooden blocks, bells, shakers and xylophones. The most noticeable use of them is in the 13 minute closer "In Response to Irresponsibility." A majority of the tracks on here leave you wanting more because most of the tracks are under the three minute mark and are extremely catchy. It's almost like you don't want them to end. The beautiful opening notes of the first track, "Casual Discussion In A Dome Between Two Temples" lure the listener into the album and they'll soon want to hear the rest of it. Another example of this is the extremely catchy chorus of the title track and the melodies of "Motivational Song," and "Serial Killer Status."
One downside to this album is that the band's style is somewhat of an acquired taste but once it catches on to you, you'll find yourself listening to it a lot. Another possible downside is that as stated earlier, a lot of people may possibly write this band off as a Cap'n Jazz rip-off. I wasn't too bothered by it since they manage to pull off Cap'n Jazz's style of music very well and they incorporate a few different styles in their music to put their own spin on it. To sum things up, Some Kind of Cadwallader is fun to listen to. There are so many hooks and catchy choruses that'll have you singing along and bobbing your head hours.
Favorite Tracks: Casual Discussion In A Dome Between Two Temples, Horror, Serial Killer Status, Some Kind of Cadwallader
