About a hundred years ago, I wrote reviews for a magazine called Hard RoxX, in the UK.
The legendary Kelv Helrazer would contribute occasionally, and it was through him constantly banging on about
Lynn Allen that I gained an introduction to the band.
Huge in Iowa and other parts of the American Midwest (and obviously in the Helrazer household) but unheard of elsewhere,
Lynn Allen have continued to be one of melodic rock's best kept secrets.
'Nine' won't change that unless it gains some kind of traction, like a viral video on You Tube. An 'Ok Go' piece of inspiration. Nowadays the music just isn't enough.
For the uninitiated,
Lynn Allen is essentially Billy Pfeiffer, guitarist, vocalist, producer, songwriter, plus others.the lineup has changed many times since the band's inception, with Pfeiffer as the constant.
Think a nasally, high toned Richard Hawley's world weary yet vital vibe and Van Halen's flair for rock melody.
The production and the arrangements are deceptively simple. Each song - '
Whisper To A Scream' and
'When We're Alone' are great examples - is built on a rock guitar framework, anchored to solid ground by a streamlined, classic rock beat.
Then comes the magic. With every album, Pfeiffer pulls another ten great tunes out of the hat, and
'Nine' is no exception. It's brimful of snagging hooks, baited with sinuous melodies and heartfelt emotions. Sharply observed lyrics swing from the darkly humourous to philosophical resignation in the blink of a line. And it's full of songs that stay with you long after the credits have rolled.
Opener, '
Change The World' puts a fresh spin on the well explored poprock concept.
On the surface it's a simple boy meets girl rock song, but there's a melancholy undertow that pulls you onto to Pfeiffer's wavelength.
Consequently you can immediately tune in and be turned on by Pfeiffer's songs. Songs like
'I Don't Want To', '
Quicksand' and
'This Time' condense human emotions into 3 minute rock songs with such affection and acerbic wit that they compel you to listen, time after time.
Occasionally, he turns this into an art form, truly scaling the songwriting peak that other songwriter's aspire to.
'The Walk Of Shame' and
'What She Don't Know' are the perfect marriage of pared down rock, pop and lyrical incisiveness. Songs you can listen to and marvel at over and over again.
You may have to do a bit of searching, but seek this one out. It'll be worth it.
Written by
Brian Tuesday, July 6, 2010
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