Algernon Cadwallader was playing in my town tonight. I did not go. Instead, I find myself sitting here writing a review of the band’s debut album and sipping on a Pacifico. Believe me I know how backasswards that may sound. But, I’m 30 now and frankly, I simply do not have the energy for shows that I once did (especially house shows)! Maybe I would rather sit around my house with my girlfriend and eat quesadillas instead. So sue me!
Regardless, if you have followed the site at all, you know we love some Algernon Cadwallader here at SAL. The band’s four-song demo probably ranks as the most played demo in my lifetime (or a close second to the reformed Latterman demo). But as much as I loved the band’s demo, I would be lying if I said I did not meet Some Kind Of Cadwallader with a healthy amount of skepticism. Would the band be able to replicate their demo over a full-length’s worth of material? It would be a difficult task and frankly, I was not sure if they could pull it off. I still think the band’s brand of off-kilter emo might be better suited for shorter bursts of an EP rather than a full-length. But, a funny thing happened, Algernon Cadwallader actually delivered on that undeniable promise.
I guess the elephant in the room remains with Algernon Cadwallader. The band is playing spastic but tuneful indie rock/emo much in the vein of Cap’n Jazz. The throaty vocals and nonsensical lyrics are inarguably reminiscent of Tim Kinsella’s former group. All that may be true but so what if Algernon Cadwallader sound like Cap’n Jazz?! Some Kind Of Cadwallader is about as enjoyable a listen as you will come across in 2008. There is a beautiful balance struck between the thoughtful guitar noodling and the harsher screams of lead singer Peter Helmis. The band keeps things concise as they mow through the first nine songs of the album in about 25 minutes. Algernon almost make it to the finish line without a stumble. However the band falls prey to the wankery bug as the 13-minute jam session of “In Response to Irresponsibility” ends the album. By that time though, the band has already made their indelible mark.
Hype can be a killer especially for a band that has only released a four song demo until now. To make matters worse people seemingly lined up on two opposite ends of the spectrum when Algernon was discussed; you either loved them or hated them. That is tough for a band to overcome but what helps Algernon is the fact that the band seems to shrug their shoulders at it all. It is about the music and having fun; nothing more and nothing less. And luckily for Algernon, they have the songs to back it all up. So go ahead, listen to Some Kind Of Cadwallader. I dare you to not crack a smile when listening to this record cause it is damn near impossible. Algernon Cadwallader are the little band who could. And I’m already kicking myself for not getting to see that in person tonight.
Genre: Indie/Emo
RIYL: Cap’n Jazz, American Football, Braid
Label: Be Happy
Some Kind of Cadwallader
yeah, my arthritis was acting up too much to go. maybe next time when they play Del Boca Vista, Phase III.
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