Second Story Man, out of Louisville, KY reminds me of nothing more than my college days, listening to late night radio from the local college rock station, wondering about these groups and why I hadn't heard of them before. Pins and Needles creates the same feelings in two regards: first, why haven't I heard of these guys before?; and second, they sound a lot like early 90's college radio.
"Save It For Another" features vocal harmonies by Carrie Neumayer and Kelly Scullin, and is a dreamy, trippy, lush song that combines the sounds of The Primitives and Sixpence None the Richer. "Streets and Shadows" is 90's alt rock, and "Luck" has a Love and Rockets/Daniel Ash feel to it. The fourth track has a symbol for a title that looks like a heartbeat on a monitor. "No Pioneers" and "Why Fire Burns" fall into the Belly/Pixies/Breeders style.
The guys here, Evan Bailey and Jeremy Irvin, get into the act as well, giving "Typewriter" a spin that reminds you of old REM, and perform similarly on "Talk As Though." "Do You Have a Q" shows all four performers trading vocals, and blending together wonderfully.
The overall effect here is a well crafted album with quirky signatures, strong vocals, and more than capable musicianship. Second Story Man may have you waiting on "Pins and Needles" for their next release after hearing this one.
3.5 tocks
Similar sounding releases
2003My Morning JacketIt Still Moves
2003Ester DrangInfinite Keys
2005For WishesI Will Burn Your Winter
2005Popstar AssassinsModerne
2000The AutumnsIn the Russet Gold of This Vain Hour
2005Summer LawnsFirst We Waited... Then It Started
