Alternative yet consistently strong.
With a list of friends and associates which link the band to The Go Team! and Mojave 3 amongst others, its obvious that Coley Park throw in a lot of influences and different sounds and lead track 'Quiet Lanes' doesn't disappoint. Hinting at an American indie that Pavement would have offered, the jangly guitar and the treated vocals tell a winding tale bolstered by an array of musical accompaniment. Cowbells, horn instruments and a keyboard passage that sounds as though it was mixed under water helps to create an innovative song that should appeal to many fans of left-field indie.
Naming a song 'Thurston Moore' is always going to raise eyebrows, even more so when the track itself is not the sprawling sonic confusion the moniker suggests. One of the most notable elements is the recorder passage in the opening section of the song which may take everyone back to their song days but it's a sense of charm and simplicity to the song. There may not be anything startling but the handclaps and quiet edge have a nagging quality with the repeating "catch him if he falls" refrain sticking the head quite nicely.
Things take a turn for the country with the lo-fi banjo twang on 'Meadow Song' harking back to a simpler sound, and again, the vocals have a weary edge that brings some emotion, if not sparkle, to the song but does indicate a broad spectrum of songwriting, which is further enhanced by the last track, 'Tired Disappointed Blue.'
Moving into a phased comedown track along the lines of Spiritualized at their peak, this 4 song collection has more variety than most albums these days and Coley Park have to be commended for this release. Theres no stand-out song but there is a strong consistency here and it's a package well worth picking up for lovers of indie, Americana and alternative.