Algernon Cadwallader - Parrot Flies

 

I'm going to say that the first time (and many other listens after) I did not get the big deal. The 90's emo revival is in heavy swing these days and what better band to ape than the many incarnations of the kinsella boy's projects especially Cap'n Jazz.  Just recently I've made my peace and found that i really do enjoy Algernon Cadwallader. The main difference's are the vocals and instrumentation which happen to have a better handle on being melodic when they need to be. Parrot Flies marks their newest release. Its emo indie rock with touches of angular guitars and scream sung vocals. There lo-fi approach is charming but honestly I feel like cleaning up things could really bump these kinds of bands in a more positive direction. 

Parrot Flies

Owls - Owls

So the time line is as such. In keeping with my loose theme of Victor Villarreal related projects we are brought to Owls. This venture occured after his work with Ghosts and Vodka and features the original full line up of Cap. N Jazz members (minus Davey Von Bohlen). As we have Tim Kinsella in control of vocals and lyrics you know to expect crazy cryptic lines and semi out of tune warbling....its an acquired taste to be sure.  What is sure is the fact that instrumentally these guys are on point tearing into these songs. Like some sort of emo angular math lounge music its not really as odd as it sounds. Fun point of reference also is Ryan Rapsys from Noyes was also the Owls second drummer. Wasn't aware of that myself till just recently.

OWLS

Ghosts and Vodka

If you want to talk about what the hell these current instrumental math bands are listening to you can more often than not draw a direct line to these gentlemen. Ghosts and Vodka is a mix mixture of two well known groups Joan of Arc and Cap'n Jazz. To say that this album is influential for the genre would be an understatement. Japanese band Toe in an interview once said they initially formed to play music like Ghosts and Vodka. Lets not even start on Victor Villareal's guitar style, we could be here all day. The music itself is incredibly dynamic and rhythmically complex but with a great sense of melody to back it up. Both Guitarists, Villareal and  Sam Zurick would go on to rejoin there Cap'n Jazz band mates for a new group called Owls. If you haven't your missing out.

Addicts and Drunks