The project is a labor of love. John especially has a real command of the music, which last night consisted of blues tunes by such legendary musicians as Charley Patton and Blind Lemon Jefferson.
John played with precision a variety of hoary guitars, and he delighted in talking about each one in between songs. Eden strummed a steel mandolin and sang with a gentle brusqueness that was more southern black woman than Williamsburg white girl.
It’s music that doesn’t quite fit in the blogosphere age. That’s what makes it good.
Tokyo Police Club
Elephant Shell
April 22nd 2008
Saddle Creek
Tokyo Police Club‘s new album, Elephant Shell, is everything but the shot of adrenaline that was the band’s explosive debut, A Lesson in Crime.
We were so impressed with A Lesson In Crime, a 6-song EP released about two years ago, that we wanted more of the same. An album about robots taking over Earth, A Lesson In Crime begins with this warison call: “Operator, get me the President of the World!” From there, the listener becomes lost in a 16-minute maelstrom of grinding guitars and synthesized clapping.
Those things are present on Elephant Shell, but the volume has been turned down. The album features a calmer, almost restrained Tokyo Police Club, with front man and chief lyricist David Monks in a much more contemplative mood. “You and your soapy eyes called it off so late at night, but your hands and your heart and your head’s always right,” Monks sings on the song Juno. The album is a slapdash collection of childhood memories. It’s all sprained ankles, kickball games and awkward romantic encounters on schoolyard jungle gyms.
The lyrics are smart; there’s no doubting that. Monks quips on Listen to the Math, “If I am the joke, then you’re the punch line.” We’re just concerned he and his band mates are growing up too fast. It’s not just the lyrics either. The somber sound of a cello heard on the ballad The Harrowing Adventures Of…– while perfect for the song – seems out of character for a group that describes itself on its My Space page as a “swift kick in the pants followed by a raucous dance party.”
Nevertheless, Elephant Shell gets a passing grade. But here’s to hoping Tokyo Police Club shapes up and stops acting their age on the next album.
Other Music
A Lesson in Crime EP- 2006
Smith EP- 2007
Tour
May 12 2008 8:00P @ The Starlite Room Edmonton, Alberta
May 14 2008 8:00P @ The Habitat (SOLD OUT) Kelowna, British Columbia
May 15 2008 8:00P @ Plaza Club Vancouver, British Columbia
May 16 2008 8:00P @ Plaza Club Vancouver, British Columbia
May 17 2008 8:00P @ Sugar Nightclub Victoria, British Columbia
May 18 2008 8:00P @ Neumos Seattle, Washington
May 19 2008 8:00P @ Hawthorne Theatre Portland, Oregon
May 22 2008 8:00P @ Bluebird Theatre Denver, Colorado
May 23 2008 8:00P @ Slowdown Omaha, Nebraska
May 29 2008 8:00P @ Barfly Cambridge
May 30 2008 8:00P @ Bodega Nottingham
May 31 2008 8:00P @ Cockpit Leeds
Jun 1 2008 8:00P @ Night & Day Manchester
Jun 3 2008 8:00P @ Barfly Birmingham
Jun 5 2008 8:00P @ Le Bontanique Brussels
Jun 6 2008 8:00P @ Rock Am Ring Nurburgring
Jun 7 2008 8:00P @ Rock Im Park Zeppelinfeld
Jun 8 2008 8:00P @ La Maroquinerie Paris
Jun 10 2008 8:00P @ King Tuts Glasglow
Jun 11 2008 8:00P @ Other Rooms Newcastle
Jun 12 2008 8:00P @ Academy Oxford
Jun 13 2008 8:00P @ Marquee Hertford
Jun 16 20088:00P @ Digital Brighton
Jun 17 2008 8:00P @ Thekla Bristol
Jun 18 2008 8:00P @ Scala London
Jul 20 2008 8:00P @ Rogers Picnic Toronto, Ontario
Sep 14 2008 12:00P @ Monolith Festival Red Rocks, Colorado
