++ALBUM++ review by Emily Kendrick

GRAMERCY ARMS - Gramercy Arms

Released 5th July 08 on Reveal Records

It's supergroup time in New York, as Nada Surf, Joan As A Policewoman, Guided By Voices and multiple others hop into the pot and stew their juices together. But you know what they say about too many cooks? Emily Kendrick reviews...

I’m all up for challenges - but a whole album of soft-rock? You gotta be kidding me! Gramercy Arms is a mid-range rock LP that successfully manages to polish a turd - as this supergroup of NY sorts demonstrate their double-edged sword.

The debut single from this collaboration between Joan as Policewoman, Guided by Voices et al was actually strangely pleasing. ‘Automatic’ had a touch of We Are Scientists in its call and response chorus.

"This album could throw as many ‘as seen in’ credentials as possible, but what it’s really crying out for is tunes...."

And continuing on the plus side, this record does contain the odd highlight: ‘Looking at the Sun’ is pleasing as punch: it swims in the ether of Beatles psychadelia and Soft Hearted Scientists – it’s a surprisingly modal-folk track with impressive handclapped rhythms.

And yet part of the problem here is that the group don’t attempt to hide the predictability of their subjects. This is most painful in ‘Shining Bright’ – a song about consoling oneself after a failed relationship. Wowzers – its original yah?

Worse still, these musicians aren’t flexing their muscles or competing for side-project credibility; the music simply sits in the background, sort of winding around a spool of well-used female vocals.

Venturing into the use of click track, ‘Wander On’ is the freshest piece on the album, being reminiscent of East Coast concrete and skyscrapers. However, the rest is quite geographically confusing; it’s a mix of west coast harmonies and highway imaginings.

This album could throw as many ‘as seen in’ credentials as possible, but what it’s really crying out for is tunes. Whenever the melody appears to progress they blow it by retreating to repeats. Sadly the polished turd is still thus, a polished turd. Still, at least we know their closest comparisons now. Anyone for Mike and the Mechanics?

++ Emily Kendrick ++

Artrocker rating: 2

---

---