The full-length debut, I Sold Gold, from Barsuk Records recording artist Aqueduct does nothing more than attempt to give the listener an electronic-tinged pop record of the finest sorts. The press bio describes Aqueduct as "Bedroom Pop," which is certainly an apt description. It is probably a bit lazy journalistically to compare Aqueduct to The Postal Service - the only things they have in common are synthesized beats and an ear for melody - but fans of that outfit will certainly enjoy this project, masterminded by Oklahoma native David Terry.
The songs are absurdly catchy and seem to capture an artist more concerned about having fun than anything else. The first track, "The Suggestion Box," begins with a rolling keyboard line, synthesizers squealing in the background, before a pulsating drumbeat and Terry's endearing voice chime in. This seems to be a similar pattern, although guitars do lend a bit of a "rock" feel to some of the tracks. Track three, "Growing Up With GNR" is probably the standout track, featuring the line I was feeling fine / hearing Axl Rose on the radio / singing Sweet Child O' Mine.
Overall, this feels like an album that just about anyone can enjoy, from indie-rock scenesters, to those who have just been exposed to quality pop music through The Shins via the Garden State Soundtrack. If there is a fault to be found here, it is that the second half of the album, while still solid, just does not reach the heights of the first half. I Sold Gold just may make a splash in the music world in 2005. Their music has already appeared on The O.C. and the success of The Postal Service proves that there is a huge market for well-done electronic pop music.
3/4
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