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The Rhombus:
Bupkes
I am amazed at what can be produced with just a little home equipment and some talent. Of course, if you dont have the talent, then no amount of equipment can help you; but Cody Hennesy of The Rhombus does have the talent, and while this recording is not of the highest quality, the strength of the album shines through. So then I have to wonder, why hasnt some label snatched this guy up yet? The Rhombus is a perfect name for this one-man band. A rhombus is basically a skewed square with all sides parallel. His music all runs along the same tracks yet never crosses, repeats or copies. It is skewed from normal angles and is totally unique. With electronic beeps, clicks and sirens added to acoustic guitar, keyboards, and harmonica, just about every sound is showcased in this album short of a harp, xylophone and someone banging on the kitchen sink. Actually, I cant be 100% sure about the kitchen sink part. A cleverly arranged album, the songs throughout Bupkes each highlight a different set of instruments, and yet the album holds together. The songs are filled with fun instrumental interludes that flow between the quirky, imaginative and almost bizarre lyrics. Its sort of like Beck meets The Postal Service with hints of folk and alt-country. With such a seemingly spontaneous variety, you never quite know what will happen next, and yet the songs would hold up if stripped down to their acoustic core. A particular highlight would be Lifeguard, which shows up towards the beginning to set the stage, but really, I find it hard to choose from there. Each song has something different to offer from stimulating guitar and illogical beats to catchy melodies wrapped in electronica. This album is to be enjoyed as a whole. While everyone out there is trying to pose as an original band with new and imaginative stuff, The Rhombus is playing imaginative stuff but without the hype. I picture a guy sitting in his room playing, singing and mixing away, because he just loves to do it. This is why his songs are so full of life and expressive without the need to hide behind the makeup of a fancy studio. So thanks to the art of home recording and the Internet, others can hear about this great contribution to the music world.
This album can be purchased at The Rhombus Official Website About LOTD Contact/Staff Advertise Home All content © LEFT OFF THE DIAL 2001-2005. All rights reserved. |
