Reigning Sound--Break Up...Break Down
Sympathy For The Record Industry 2001
Greg Cartwright has been a member in two of the greatest bands ever with the Oblivians and the Compulsive Gamblers. Make that three of the greatest bands ever. With a new band, Reigning Sound, and a new album, Break Up...Break Down, the man who seemingly has the Midas touch continues to not only exceed lofty expectations but flat-out obliterate them.
The sound and style of Reigning Sound somehow remain similar to the aforementioned bands while being at the same time entirely different. This is definitely not as angry as the Oblivians, nor is it as quirky as the Compulsive Gamblers. That's not to say there isn't a "darkness" to the music--it's just more melancholy than furious or sinister. Any "darkness" evident in these sounds is surprising, considering the cleanness of the production. It's not what you'd expect but it couldn't be any other way. This is absolute perfection, just the way it is.
The astonishing thing is that through Break Up...Break Down's tales of heartbreak and love lost, these songs still somehow project a spirit of hope. It's inexplicably wonderful. The songs exude such class it's almost like these guys were channeling the spirit of Roy Orbison. You can really feel that energy in songs like "I Don't Care" and "So Sad."
Don't be fooled, though--this definitely isn't a one-man-show. The chemistry between these four musicians is nothing short of frightening. It's even more apparent when you see them play live. Regining Sound is a machine.
To bottom-line it, Break Up...Break Down is one of the greatest things to ever happen to ears. It is seemingly without fault. Hands down the best album for the first half of 2001.
Score this CD directly from Sympathy For The Record Industry |
