By: Terry Vickroy (DJ TV)
Origami Ghosts: Fruit & Animal
Origami Ghosts is an indie rock band from Seattle. Their album Fruit & Animal is an album full of different instruments and sounds but their songs aren’t always consistent in quality. The album starts off with the song “Kangaroo Boxing”. It’s a nice melancholy start to the album but starts to deteriorate as it goes on. The vocals do some strange things with the rhythms that don’t feel natural in the song. They also have some odd harmonies that might work in a different context but they detract more than they give. Both of these seem to be recurring problems and show up in many of their songs.
I won’t say it’s all bad though. I found that after I listened to some of the tracks such as “Gone Bananas!” and “Fond of Flying”, they got stuck in my head for hours. These lyrics are easy to remember too thanks to their creative word choices. There was also some nice instrumentation through out the album. Trumpet and accordion show up consistently and add unique flavor to the songs. I only wish that sometimes they would be more present in the mix. When they are playing a solo they should be easily heard, not quiet in the background.
Overall this album is hit or miss. Most songs have some major issues like strange harmonic and rhythmic patterns in the vocals, or poor production choices. However, these songs also have redeeming qualities to them. Some of the tracks are genuinely catchy and give you a positive vibe. If you are a fan of indie rock, I would give this album a chance but just be ready to take the good along with the bad.
3/5
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Origami Ghosts is now playing on TMN Radio.