Review Summary: A "seldom" heard of gem in short lived indie bands.
Seldom was an Indie rock group from Seattle that were active for only a few years, and two of the three members have since gone on to other projects such as the recent Crystal Skulls. I found them out because of the their connection with playing live shows with one of my favorite bands, Pedro the Lion, around 2001. So, I found a few clips on the net and just went and bought this album, because from what I heard, I really enjoyed.
A few days later, I received it, their first release, an EP. The cover art is simple but interesting, I enjoy it at least. So I began listening.
Track one, Can't/Must. A distorted mellotron starts the song off, and a steady and somewhat simple drumming and guitar riffs kick in. The vocals are unique, Yuuki Matthews has an interesting voice. It isn't necessarily raspy nor whiny, but has a drone-y characteristic that fits very well with the lyrics, which across the majority of the EP are fairly depressing. I think this is a great start to the album, and gives a very good taste for what to expect for the remaining songs. 4.5/5
Next track, Seldom. This is a dramatic change from the normal band setup, it is Yukki singing, with acoustic guitar, and later in the song the drummer Casey Foubert plays strings. Once again Yukki's vocals are a large focal point, and the lyrics are very good in this song. Simple but strong lines such as "Fragile was his smile, all the while, he did smile, for you." I heard this song was written by Yukki when he was 17, just an interesting fact for you. I'd give this a 5/5, it is easily the most well composed song on the album.
Track three, Opinion. This song starts off slow with only vocals and guitar, but picks up some with drum and bass, as well as some strings. It isn't a track that grabs your attention off the bat, it might try some people's patience initially. It is however another depressing track, with lyrics such as "My heart has no sympathy, I've been around the block. Try family out of town, then we can talk." I'd give this track a 4, it isn't a bad one but could use some polishing in parts.
Thursday Birthday is the next track. I would say this is the weakest track on the album. It is just vocals and acoustic guitar, though there is nothing bad about that at all, it just feels somewhat unfinished for this song. The lyrics are probably also the weakest on the album, it really is very depressing and doesn't seem very well implemented besides that one reason, to convey sadness. The exemplary line of this is "Why not just get shot, I think you're better that way." This gets a 3/5. Not a terrible track by any stretch, but it is definitely the worst on this particular EP.
Finally, L.A., which is my favorite track. It builds very well for the end, starting off with the typical keyboard and band setup. The lyrics are basic, but I enjoy it. The pauses for the guitar line are a refreshing way to break the song into parts before the end parts begin, leading up to varying drum beats and feedbacking guitars and synthesizers as well as two of the members singing for the end. Definitely a 5/5 for me.
I think it's a shame they had only two cds, I really do enjoy their unique sound. I would have a hard time giving examples of sound-a-like bands, so I won't do that. Check them out if you have any interest in Indie, however. Though be warned, it is mostly slower stuff on this EP.
Soon enough I will get their only other release, it's a little more upbeat than this one, and I just might review it once I do.
