Search - Aluminum Group :: Pelo

Tremendously disappointing

robfellman | Brooklyn! | 11/01/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I would give Pedals, Plano, and Wonder Boy + at least five stars. This album, on the other hand, was quite a let-down. Almost half the tracks are instrumentals, and boring if not downright dreary ones, which remind me of Fawn-era Sea & Cake or Sam Prekop on a very uninspired day. There is nothing here of the poppy beauty of "Chocolates," "A Boy in Love," "Impress Me," or the experimentalism of "Rrose Selavy's Valise." The instrumentation has gone almost completely electronic, from the drums to the keyboards, and while the shift to mostly electronica worked for Tortoise and Stereolab (oh, did it ever), here it sounds like the Navins are just jumping on the Chicago sound bandwagon. In doing so they have sacrificed what made them a fantastic band, with a fantastic, unique sound. I am all for a band's development and modification of their sound over time, and was delighted with the differences between Plano and Pedals, but, with the possible exception of "Pussycat," and "Satellite" (fine songs that prevented me from giving this album 1 star) the direction this band is going is... aargh! Nicht gut! Do yourself a favor and order Plano, Pedals, and Wonder Boy + immediately; hold off on this."

Part disappointed - Part delighted

Senor Schadenfreude | The Badlands | 01/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am the world's biggest "Aluminum Group" fan. So, the first time through this CD I must say that I was upset. With a few notable exceptions I didn't recognize it as an "Aluminum Group" release. Since then, "Pelo" has grown on me. Yet, I still yearn for the delicious Navin harmonies. No offense to the various collaborators but nobody can outdo the Navin brothers together. I appreciate new directions that's why I give this album 5 stars. Still, I long for the days when the arrangements were simple and the voices lush."

Almost great

William R. Nicholas | Mahwah, NJ USA | 11/22/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Great new album by the Aluminum Group. The bands songcraft is getting better and better. With "If You've Got A Lover" and "Worring Kind" the Nevins manage to take traditional song writing, and apply beats usually used by modern African-American R&B groups. They have not tried to remake Pedels, but have traded in Smile-era Beach Boys grandur for Brian Eno experimentation. The result is music that's strikingly fresh.But the instrumental excursions are percarious. They are stacked at the end of Pelo. Just when the Nevins need a few more great songs to tighten the screws, the album grows diffuse. This is a small dose of the studio games that absolutely SUNK the High Llamas.Any fan knows that the Aluminum Group can write 50 great songs in thier sleep. Now they need to keep expanding their frame of reference, but with a producer that will keep their impulses in check."