Review Summary: So i hear you like Cap'n Jazz...
The members of Algernon Cadwallader listen to a lot of Kinsella projects, and they want you to know that. For anyone who has ever spun a Cap'n Jazz, American Football or Owls record, 'Kinsella' is and will be the first thing to come to mind when listening to Algernon Cadwallader, though not necessarily in a negative aspect. Algernon Cadlwallader's debut full-length record, "Some Kind of Cadwallader", is the perfect record for nostalgic fans of a skinnier Tim Kinsella or those itching for Victor Villareal to reappear from the streets of Chicago and produce sonic waterfalls with his guitar. Listening to "Some Kind of Cadwallader" is like taking a trip back to Chicago in the late nineties, and it sure is fun.
However, there is more to Algernon Cadwallader than a shallow Kinsella replica. The band employs some eclectic instrumentation at times, using woodblocks, cowbells, tambourines and at times a melodica to spice up the percussive side of things. The dual fingerpicking guitarists contribute most to the sound of the band, adding some very soothing yet intricate melodies to the offbeat punk rhythms set up by the rhythm section. The singer adds a lot to the positive, raw energy exhibited, though he too often ends up sounding like a bad Tim Kinsella karaoke performer. The band's best moments are usually during its anthemetic (sp) choruses, such as that of "Motivational Song", where the band joins in for an uplifting set of "She-bops" before dwindling down to acoustic guitar and xylophone. "Motivational Song" is the most accurate way to describe the majority of the songs on this album; one should have no trouble finding a nice hook and something to bob one's head to on this album.
All in all, "Some Kind of Cadwallader" is a very enjoyable album that will satisfy most urges for an American Football reunion, and when such a thing
does happen this record will still have its own worth for those who can see past its exterior.
This Message Edited On 08.20.08
