Romanian Names (out May 19th) will be the seventh studio album from San Francisco musician John Vanderslice since he burst onto the indie scene in 2000. That's a lot of output for anyone not named "Adams" or "Pollard".
Unlike those aforementioned prolific artists, Vanderslice has put a premium on quality songs. The indie pop/rock you will find on Romanian Names is well-crafted and well-written.
The occasional piano or string arrangement may provide texture, but the focus throughout the album is on melody. That comes in different forms. "Tremble and Tear" opens the record with strong, ear pleasing harmonies. On "C & O Canal" it comes wrapped in a quirky package. On "Too Much Time" it is elegantly sweeping.
Not every cut on the record has a tremendous hook, but there are some very solid ones. "Sunken Union Boat" and "Carina Constellation" are both pop rock gems which feature catchy refrains. However, it's the subversively infectious hook in"D.I.A.L.O." that is unshakable.
Melodic vocals are present throughout the album. Songs like "Fetal Horses" and "Oblivion" thrive because of Vanderslice's subtle singing style. It's that unforced feeling that makes songs like the subdued closer "Hard Times" effective.
Romanian Names is a high quality, pleasant album that will only get better with time.
John Vanderslice plays the Horseshoe in Toronto on July 10th and the Ottawa Bluesfest July 11th/12th.
Best tracks: "Too Much Time", "D.I.A.L.O."
Track listing for Romanian Names:
- Tremble and Tear
- Fetal Horses
- C & O Canal
- Too Much Time
- D.I.A.L.O.
- Forest Knolls
- Oblivion
- Sunken Union Boat
- Romanian Names
- Carina Constellation
- Summer Stock
- Hard Times
8.5/10
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