Sherwood is unmistakably one of the most underrated bands of the US indie-rock scene. Quite unknown by the masses, critics yet are very flattering when it comes to discuss the quality of their discography. The latter sees itself being expanded by the release of 'QU', their third full-length album.
'QU' simply is the missing piece between Sherwood's first and second albums. This collection of twelve new songs have the delicacy of 'Sing, but keep going' combined with the liveliness of 'A different light'. If all the songs are resolutely pop-rock and upbeat, they don't have the sophistication of the band's last compositions but on the contrary regain the simplicity of the very first ones. The style may be less indie than at their early days but many elements bring to mind 'Sing, but keep going' 's atmosphere: the acoustic guitar is put under the spotlights ('Hit the bottom', 'Worn'), the choirs are judiciously placed ('Make it through', 'Free') and the instrumental touches of keyboardist and percussionist Mike Leibovich are still as delicate and tasty ('Not gonna love', 'Around you'). While the most upbeat songs like 'What are you waiting for?' would have easily had their place on 'A different light', others as 'Maybe this time' seem to come directly from the first album's studio sessions. It's this efficient mix between a cheerful pop with almost dancing rhythms (drummer Joe Greenetz is doing absolutely brillantly on 'Not gonna love') and moving ballads with superb instrumental accompaniments (the beautiful 'Ground beneath my feet') that keeps on being Sherwood's great talent. Let's not also forget the delicious retro touch of some of their compositions ('Free'), which is here to remind us that the band's biggest influence is with no doubt The Beach Boys. A retro touch to be found on the more than original album's cover too.
'QU' simply is the missing piece between Sherwood's first and second albums. This collection of twelve new songs have the delicacy of 'Sing, but keep going' combined with the liveliness of 'A different light'. If all the songs are resolutely pop-rock and upbeat, they don't have the sophistication of the band's last compositions but on the contrary regain the simplicity of the very first ones. The style may be less indie than at their early days but many elements bring to mind 'Sing, but keep going' 's atmosphere: the acoustic guitar is put under the spotlights ('Hit the bottom', 'Worn'), the choirs are judiciously placed ('Make it through', 'Free') and the instrumental touches of keyboardist and percussionist Mike Leibovich are still as delicate and tasty ('Not gonna love', 'Around you'). While the most upbeat songs like 'What are you waiting for?' would have easily had their place on 'A different light', others as 'Maybe this time' seem to come directly from the first album's studio sessions. It's this efficient mix between a cheerful pop with almost dancing rhythms (drummer Joe Greenetz is doing absolutely brillantly on 'Not gonna love') and moving ballads with superb instrumental accompaniments (the beautiful 'Ground beneath my feet') that keeps on being Sherwood's great talent. Let's not also forget the delicious retro touch of some of their compositions ('Free'), which is here to remind us that the band's biggest influence is with no doubt The Beach Boys. A retro touch to be found on the more than original album's cover too.
'QU' belong to those "feel good" records that will embrace your nostalgy moments as well as your summer days. Its songs exude freshness, from its a capella intro to its sweet final ballad. Sherwood keep on shining in a musical landscape where all the stars today seem to look like each other.
4/5
Recommanded if you like:
Mae, Daphne Loves Derby, Relient K
Check also:
We Shot The Moon, Brighten, Socratic
www.myspace.com/sherwood
(MySpace Records, 2009)
Mae, Daphne Loves Derby, Relient K
Check also:
We Shot The Moon, Brighten, Socratic
www.myspace.com/sherwood
(MySpace Records, 2009)
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