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Pretty. Odd.

Credits

Release Date

Record Label

Performance

Reviewer

Adam R. Holz
Bob Smithouser

Album Review

Pro-Social Content

Like a leaf on a breeze, whimsical wordplay rides carefree melodies without much urgency … and even less clarity. The dreamlike “Behind the Sea” acknowledges the existence of God. The singer lands on his feet after a breakup on “That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed).” Lines on “Northern Downpour” search for hope and reject materialism, while “Folkin’ Around” fondly recalls lazy days with a loved one.

Objectionable Content

Passing nods to physical intimacy mar “Nine in the Afternoon” and “She’s a Handsome Woman.” We also get fleeting references to astrology (“Northern Downpour”), drinking wine (“Pas de Cheval”) and a “drug farm entrepreneur” (“From a Mountain in the Middle of the Cabins”). An abstract metaphor repeatedly describes a woman as “the smoke” that leaps from “my tragic cigarette” (“The Piano Knows Something I Don’t Know”). The chorus of “Do You Know What I’m Seeing?” is the worst of it, repeating the phrase “never gave a d–n” 20 times.

Summary Advisory

Instead of giving fans another round of cynical emo and pop/punk, the band’s upbeat second disc sounds like a 21st century tribute to playful, Beatles-esque psychedelia. Lyrically, it’s abstract and very much as advertised: Pretty. Odd. Not great, but not panic-inducing.

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adam-holz
Adam R. Holz

After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.

Bob Smithouser