Out of Ohio comes "Message From A Mockingbird", the new release from Only Makebelieve. These 13 tracks are superbly engineered and recorded; it is clear that a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into perfecting this record. The band, driven by founding members Samuel Atkinson and Wyatt Michael, strive to produce a masterpiece in which every single song counts.
Only Makebelieve infuse their songs with complex textures of sound and harmony - it is intriguing to hear, but the hooks are not jumping out at me. Only Makebelieve is the musical equivalent to fine dining, and it takes a more sophisticated palate to truly appreciate what the guys have accomplished here.
There are some tunes that are much more accessible to power pop and rock fans who prefer instant gratification. "Rayna's Smile" and "Sunflower" are highly memorable, soaring gems of pop perfection. "Lost Time" is the first sign that these guys can rock and still maintain their standard of musical sophistication. "Backstab" is surprisingly punchy and sharp, fitting to the lyrical theme and title, and has become my first favorite on "Message From A Mockingbird". The record ends with a gentle acoustic guitar and piano piece that I also enjoyed very much called, "Your Flower Garden".
"Message From A Mockingbird" is a technical tour de force, a virtual tribute to art pop. They remind me of latter day Tears for Fears, Spandau Ballet, and 10cc. If you are fans of this genre, I encourage you to check out this ambitious release. If you are looking for big hooks and melodies that stick at first throw, there is probably not much for you beyond the cuts I recommend below.
iPOD-worthy: 2, 4, 8, 13
Only Makebelieve on MySpace.
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