published: 5 /
8 /
2003
Label:
Deep Elm
Format: CD
Subtle, sophisticated emo rock on debut Deep Elm label release by Francis Garcia, once of Fourth Grade Nothing and Pop Unknown, who now performs as a solo artist under the band name of Drive Til Morning
Review
This album begins with a beautiful combination of gently plucked guitar lines and lightly swooping strings. It is the kind of beginning that gives you goosebumps, which makes you desperate just to live in the moment forever. The vocals, however, come and the early anticipation and excitement change into joy. This is a beautiful album, elegant with subtle, sophisticated songwriting.
Francis Garcia, once of Fourth Grade Nothing and Pop Unknown, now lives in New York City and performs as a solo artist under the band name of Drive Til Morning. His debut album is one of the best in recent memory. Lyrically, he has that knack to sum up a feeling generally left unexpressed with a simple turn of phrase. He has a marvellously soulful voice, pure yet emotive. His guitar playing is simple, but he doesn’t ever quite do what you expect.
The days when emo was only about driving rhythms and loud guitars are long gone. This is an album that draws upon influences of Americana and folk, pop and even slight traces of electronica. Garcia, however. does this the right way. Because it suits the songs, not because it will make him look ‘eclectic’. This is honestly one of the best albums in an already brilliant year of emo albums. Very, very impressive.
Track Listing:-
1
Palmtrees Sway
2
Orange And Tweed
3
By Scenic Highway
4
The First Days Of Summer
5
The Pipebombs Bursting In Air
6
At The Center Of The Universe
7
Minutes Turn To Miles
8
Stompers
9
Like Trees In November
10
Bring The Single Digits On