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Restraining Order: Five on Blue (EP)
Admittedly, I never heard Restraining Orders first release, Last Time You Took Me Back, reviewed by LOTD some time ago, but I can tell you with confidence that this release Five on Blue, a 5 song EP, improves in all areas first noted for polishing. Last Time You Took Me Back was lauded for good musicianship, but poor sound quality. Well, you can hear every syllable here. Say Hello, the first track, is indeed an introductionto their new bass player, who kicks off the CD with a funky, firm bass line that holds this tune together. Add a Clash-like chorus and the bands new saxophone player, and you get the idea that these guys planunderstandablyto milk the new talent theyve acquired since their first release. Best Thing Yet has a 50s feel, with its smoky, deep saxophone licks, strumming rhythm guitar, strong dose of ride cymbal, and lilting lead vocals. If you like the genre, youll like the song. Swiper of My Heart continues the Restraining Order tradition (if two CDs are enough to establish tradition) of cute, whimsical lyrics. By the way, Im noting a strong trend of LOTD-reviewed bands including one quirky love song in their releases. Either its purely circumstance, or bands are taking note of other bands efforts to create love songs of an almost theatrical flavor. Whatever the case, Restraining Order makes it respectable. Its a catchy tune. Windows II is this bands nod to lyrical hip-hop. Note to bands out there with a CD in production: this musical device is losing its originality, so be warned. I can see the appeal its a good way to grab listeners by the lapels, and the beats infection is usually undeniable. However, I just about make a little game out of guessing which track on new CD X is the resident hip-hop homage before giving it a listen. Mind you, the trend is not worn out yet, but the tipping point where it becomes clich should be quickly approaching. Youll see that Restraining Orders little package of 5 songs (which also includes the jazzy In the Rearview) jumps from one genre to the other. Uniformity was issue LOTD took with the bands first release, but definitely not here. Its a band that has clearly progressed, and at 5 songs takes to heart the first rule of show business leave the audience wanting more.
This album can be purchased atCD Baby Restraining Order Official Website About LOTD Contact/Staff Advertise Home All content © LEFT OFF THE DIAL 2001-2005. All rights reserved. |
