Album Review

Margot & the Nuclear So and So's
The Dust of Retreat
A-

Think Weezer meets Andrew Bird by the flagpole after school only to have the fight broken up by Paul Simon while the school's band nerds stand by. That's how I describe their sound anyway. The songs relate stories of anxiety, heartbreak and drug abuse, all of which take place in a sleepy Midwest American town. The album is decidedly depressing but optimistic, reminiscent without being sentimental. Whether it's lamenting the return of a drug addled old flame whose picture was seen "...in a swank magazine," or losing a home to invading tourists, the band deftly conveys the intended emotional affect. Tasteful- and admittedly conventional- arrangements and unique instrumentation (a Cello and horns are found in their musical arsenal) combine with Richard Edwards' affected, sincere voice to create one instantly likeable American rock record with wide appeal.
On the track "Paper Kitten Nightmare," Edwards sings nineteen consecutive "meows." Amazingly, the track still rocks and the "meows" sneak by with merely a chuckle. This is indicative of his lyrics, while overall witty and insightful, some may induce a slight cringe at the sappiness. But the perceived cheesiness could also be viewed as honest and earnest songwriting, a la, The Mountain Goats. Although I wish the record had a few less audible inhales and gasps from Edwards and a couple more musical surprises, the overall awesomeness of the record remains virtually unscathed by these petty complaints.

Listen to:
"Vampires in Blue Dresses"
"Quiet as a Mouse"

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