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The Turnbull AC's - Small Town Parade
a magnificent second offering |
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Review by Tony Bonyata On The Turnbull AC's sophomore effort Small Town Parade, the Cincinnati-based quartet have taken the indie-pop-rock formula of their self-titled album released a few years ago, and have streamlined the whole affair with some truly memorable pop numbers that are as strong as anything out there today.With eight-songs clocking in at just under 33 minutes, it's unclear if this release was intended as a full-length album or a hefty EP, but, considering the strength of these compositions and performances, no one can complain - even if it is considered a full-length. Songs such as "The Gentleman's Club," with its ridiculously catchy communal sing-along refrain and the guitar-fueled rock of "Mrs. Templeton," find the band proudly embracing their Midwestern power-pop roots. "The Bucket Brigade," one the record's highlights, finds frontman and creative fountainhead Dan Mecher passionately delivering his lyrics amidst optimistic keys and an infectious melody. In fact, as strong as the musicianship and arrangements are throughout, the true strength of the band lies in these melodic compositions that wonderfully mash-up early BritPop and modern indie rock with traces of Americana music. "Findlay Market" is a jaunty pop number that sounds as if it could've been penned by Ray Davies, while the band displays more complexity on the harder rocking "The Killers of the Kent County Kids." They even manage to tap into the heart and soul of some of America's great singer/songwriters on "Love Me To Death (Busted Wheel)" and the album's moving closer "Teach Me To Dance." Although not that well known outside of their region, if The Turnbull AC's continue to make music as fine as this, then it should only be a matter of time before they breakout to a larger audience. They've certainly got my support. |