Search - King Radio :: Are You the Sick Passenger

Breakout Pop Masterpiece

groovy | 12/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a fan of old albums. I am a fan of Burt Bacharach, Brian Wilson and Barry Gibb. Not that this record is all retro fluff, in fact that is what makes it one of the most beautiful things to be released this year. Subtle synth bubbles over vintage bass tones. Drum machines churn under luscious string arrangements. And under all the pretty sounds are some pretty heavy lyrics. Padellaro owes a lot to his former bandmate Joe Pernice and has seemed to whole heartedly follow him down that pop path from the alt-country leanings of their former ensemble. However Padellaro seems more approachable (if less sophisticated) and has delivered the kind of ear candy that Pernice only hints at on his solo debut "Overcome by Happiness". Fans of orch pop will absolutely freak over this record. At first listening, one might think the album clever and impeccably performed. After a few spins, it becomes clear that the lyrics and melodies shine far above the joyous production. Bravo."