Chicago band Picture Books are selling a limited number of physical copies of their EP Rochelle, Rochelle via C.D. Baby (http://cdbaby.com/cd/picturebooks2) - and I suggest you get one while you still can.
The five-piece band originally formed in 2007, and in the same year released their first album Maybe if we run. Rochelle, Rochelle, recorded by Mike Lust (Chinup Chinup, Sybris , William Elliot Whitemore) and released January 2nd, is the first of what is promised to be a series of 2009 releases, each an EP courtesy of Bearnose Records.
With a sound reminiscent of more recent Nada Surf, Picture Books are the epitome full band Indie. Drums that catch you right in the chest, melodic piano accompaniment, and driving guitar make up their seamless fusion of sound. Songs like “Short Breaths” and “Rockets Don’t Go to Chicago, Andy” are accented with charming twinkles and a choir of “Ooh’s” along with their attention grabbing choruses, “Bear with Me” creates a capturing song out of just a few lines (Verging on the edge of majesty. Steadfast in our uncertainty. But before this town becomes the death of me, take my hand and one last breath with me.) “Out of State, Out of Mind” captures apathy in the least angst-y way, with an upbeat tempo, clever title and last lines “So we’ll sit on our stoops and smoke cigarettes and drink lots of beer and make some regrets because that’s what you do when you don’t really care” With all the makings of a great band, its no wonder they’ve graced venues with such good reputations as The Metro, The Beat Kitchen, and Schuba’s along with a number of other Chicago favorites.
Pictures Books is one of those musical finds you wish you would have stumbled upon earlier, but lucky for those of us slow to catch on, they have plenty more in store.
[www.myspace.com/picturebooksmusic]
Tags: Album Review, Local Music
February 16, 2009 at 12:14 am |
Modest Mouse if Isaac Brock took singing lessons (and a half-dozen vicodin). It’s pretty good; I imagine they’d be a fun band to see live.