Maybe you missed it: Out Like Lambs - Out Like Lambs

Out Like Lambs – Out Like Lambs EP
self-released 2009

[tags: acoustic, folk, jazzy, ep, 2009]

Listen while reading:

Downstream (from Out Like Lambs EP)

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First thing that came into my mind as I listened to Out Like Lambs was the comparison to South China (the band we wrote about here). And not because both bands make the same kind of music, but because the overall complexity of the tracks and the record. Hailing from Ocean Grove/New Jersey the still young band released their first self-titled 4-track EP way back in 2009 – so it mightn’t be the newest release I’m talking about, but I know there will be some great material from this fine collective in the future.

The four tracks are folksy in nature and one could call them some sort of lo-fi – but this isn’t the term I would use for I think lo-fi records don’t sound as clean as this EP. But it is true that a certain do it yourself charm adheres to the tracks. For a clearer picture of what I try to tell, I refer to great photography that was used as the cover artwork. Some walking-in-the-lonely-streets-under-a-grey-sky-with-all-the-dreariness-aware-but-still-everything-seems-kind-of-nice-atmosphere.

Musically you can find this particular atmosphere in every song. Accents are set by jazzy improvisations that are very suitable for coloring the ambience around the held back vocals. But I am honest with you, if you are looking for a straight forward folk record you may be a bit challenged by the combination of folk and jazz elements. But then it isn’t what you might think it is, because they avoided to push the sound to the jazz pop folk genre. This is great because this way they sound sincere all the time and the record is one you can listen to if you want a break soley with yourself and your thoughts and some rain-colored music.

Personal highlight of the four tracks is Downstream with the beautiful acoustic guitar work supported by violin (and many other instruments), decent percussions, and the jazz improvisation just before the whole track switches into some country-driven sing-along accompanied with improvised trumpet. This shows enormous creativity and the sense for musical possibilities even though it doesn’t make the record become one you can easily digest. Your stomach will hurt a bit as you listen to it the first time (maybe), but after some further servings, you will love it more and more – but, as said before, be careful, you could be allergic.

I think, if you liked South China, you will like the Out Like Lambs – and the other way ‘round. If you look for something more experimental without synthesizer melodies, you will like it too. And if you are on the scout for some melancholy feelings without resignation, Out Like Lambs deliver a very good soundtrack with lots of different moods expressed in black and white (with a hint of sepia). To get a copy of the EP, contact the band through their official website or their MySpace.

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