As Tall As Lions is one of those bands that I have always been surprised have never made it big. Their self titled “As Tall As Lions,” a dreamy rock album with jazz undertones had such songs like “Love, Love, Love (Love, Love)” and “Maybe I’m Just Tired” that seemed sure to garner them mainstream success. Their self titled was an album you just couldn’t get out of your mind, and you found the songs replaying through your head long after you heard it. Suffice to say, I felt there was no way You Can’t Take It With You could top their previous album. On first listen, I defiantly agreed with this, but now, after repeated listens I feel its safe to say “You Can’t Take It With You” tops their self titled. While retaining some of the pop feel “As Tall As Lions” had, this album further expands on their experimental and progressive sensibilities. They went through a lot of trouble finding the right producer and such, but I’m glad that they got all of that worked out, as this is truly a beautiful and mesmerizing album.
With the first track, “Circles.” Its obvious this album is more experimental than the last. Heavy and layered percussion (which is employed to good use as well in “The Narrows”) start the song as a quiet finger picked acoustic guitar floats on top of it, and as the song builds to its fantastic conclusion, other musical noises join in to add ambience. The title track “You Can’t Take It With You” contains an ominous horn intro that sounds like it could be used in an epic movie and ends with atmospheric guitar and keys over soothing hummed vocals. Perhaps the best song on the album, though one of the softer tracks on the album “Duermete” is just an incredible song through and through. This song gives off such a peaceful aurora, builds really well and the horns at 4:20 are just incredible. The album transitions into another standout track “In Case of Rapture,” an upbeat and catchy number that will be in your head for days. “Sleepyhead,” much like “Duermete” is a calming, containing dreamy arpeggios on chimes(?) that bring to mind Peter Gabriel era Genesis or Pink Floyd. The album ends with “Lost My Mind,” a beautiful guitar driven track. Throughout the whole album, Dan Nigro’s soothing voice guides us through, displaying his amazing vocal range on tracks like “Sixes and Seven” and “Sleepyhead.”
All in all, another steller album by As Tall As Lions that has me wondering why the band has not gained more attention. This is one of those albums that takes you on a journey, and when the last song fades away, you just want to listen to it again. So perhaps its for the better, as with this album they have further pushed their sound in ways they may not have been able to had they made big. Give this album couple spins and let it grow on you, because this album is a gem.
