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Built to Spill - Keep It Like A Secret |
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ALBUM REVIEWSPick of the Chick: Our Favorite Releases, 1999-Present |
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The crap that passes for "alternative" rock these days is embarrassing. There is good news, however, for people who yearn for those days when "alternative" actually meant something--those days before the music industry got a hold of alternative rock and mass-marketed it to death. The good news is Built To Spill. This band's Keep It Like A Secret album is alternative pop that's creative, engaging, and refreshing. Built to Spill is the brainchild of Doug Martsch, who's been on the alternative scene since the late '80s. In addition to working with Built to Spill, Martsch has recorded with bands such as Treepeople and the Halo Benders. Martsch has been dishing out novel indie pop for years, and with the release of Keep It Like A Secret, people are finally starting to listen. Keep It Like A Secret is packed with highly melodic, well-structured songs. There's nothing fancy here. No gimmicks. No bells and whistles. The tight guitar work and Martsch's intense vocal delivery are what set these songs apart. On tracks like "The Plan" and "Time Trap," the rhythm guitar tears out distorted chords while the lead guitar literally talks to you. These songs are guitar anthems that tackle you by the ears. And once Built to Spill's guitars grab your attention, Martsch woos you with his melodic vocals. Martsch's lyrics can be a bit cryptic, but he sings with such conviction and intensity that he makes you hang onto every word--whether it makes sense or not. It's his emotional delivery that makes you want to know what the hell he's talking about. On other tracks, such as "Center Of The Universe," "Carry The Zero," and "Temporarily Blind," Built to Spill cram every nook and cranny with intricate guitar interplay. These guitar workouts don't give your mind a chance to wander--Built to Spill snag your attention and refuse to let go. It's what good alternative rock is suppose to do. After this release, Built to Spill can't stay a secret much longer. So, check this album out. Keep It Like A Secret is proof that good alternative rock still exists. It's just not on your radio (yet). PIGEONHOLE: Some of the only alternative rock around these days that's worth listening to. Andrew Helminger |
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BUILT TO SPILL
