Review: Michael Gross and the Statuettes "Telepath"

The time has come for the full-length debut record by Michael Gross and the Statuettes. It is called "Telepath" and contains several tracks that have previously appeared on their recent EP, "Impulse and Exports" (reviewed here), but none from their debut EP, "Dust and Daylight" (reviewed here).

Michael Gross and The Statuettes are an American indie rock/pop band from Salt Lake City, Utah that formed in the summer of 2008. From 2003-2007, Michael Gross was the guitarist and one of the singer/songwriters in the band The Brobecks. After his departure from that band and a stint in a band called Lets Become Actors, Michael recorded his first solo album in the spring of 2008 entitled "Tales From a Country Home.” A short time later, Michael formed a full band around this project. The Statuettes were born.

Having released two independent EPs, Michael Gross and the Statuettes have found their groove and have a good chemistry together. The band sounds more confident than ever, which translates into more solid performances on "Telepath". In terms of songwriting, there is still some room for growth in terms of writing more memorable hooks. However, there are some real standouts that make "Telepath" worth checking out. Carried over from the "Impulse and Exports" EP are the previously highlighted tracks "On and On" and "Silence Is A Killer". Among the new tunes here, the upbeat "Real Gone" is very enjoyable, and "When The Curtains Come Down" has a great early Radiohead quality to it.

"Telepath" is being released on August 21 by Los Angeles based Sonata Cantata Records. Check them out if you like The Shins or We Are Scientists.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 7, 8, 9

Michael Gross and the Statuettes on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Michael Gross and the Statuettes "Impulse and Exports" [EP]

These fine, prolific lads from Utah have just released a brand new EP, the follow up to their very good "Dust and Daylight" EP (review here). Right away you'll note the higher quality production - the boys really seemed to have stepped it up in this department. While the record sounds glossier, fans will be happy to know that they've maintained their indie rock sensibilities in the songwriting. For those of us wanting a bit more development on the melodic side, we'll have to keep waiting.

The progress between EPs is remarkable - the guys deserve a lot of credit here, and if they continue to grow at this rate, anything is possible. This time around, they've incorporated some subtle vintage synths (late 70s/early 80s sound) that mix nicely with the modern guitar tones. Gross is sounding more comfortable and confident and the band's chemistry is beginning to boil.

I enjoy the more immediately infectious cuts, my favorite being the catchy and dynamic "On and On", which starts off with some breezy strumming and builds into an excellent driving pop song. "Holy Smokes" and "Silence Is A Killer" are two more notable tracks. Longtime fans will want to take note of "No Good" as well; it is a re-make of one of Michael's earlier songs off his solo effort, "Tales From a Country Home" tune. "Impulse and Exports" is brimming with enthusiasm and is yet another blast of indie pop rock fun from Michael Gross and the Statuettes.

iPOD-worthy: 2, 4, 5

Michael Gross and the Statuettes on MySpace. Official site.

Review: Michael Gross and the Statuettes "Dust and Daylight" [EP]

From Salt Lake City we have Michael Gross and the Statuettes, who have just released their new EP, "Dust and Daylight". The music is right at the border of pop and indie rock, so fans of both camps should be able to find something on there that will tickle their fancy.

"Dust and Daylight" sounds distinctly 80s with all the muted electric guitar driving the rhythm and Gross' early Bono-esque vocals. Reminds me of a cross between The Refreshments and Cheap Trick. The production is a bit on the lo-fi side, but does not distract from the catchy riffs and the heartfelt vocal delivery. While no single song is over the top awesome, every single song is pretty damn cool. Some big time production and engineer could take the skeleton of these songs and catapult them to radio-friendly gems that everyone would want to blast out of their speakers.

His partners in crime, the Statuettes, and indeed a little 'stiff'. With some loosening up and additional creativity, the tunes might sound more compelling on each listen rather than tired. Still, "Dust and Daylight" is a solid debut that has a retro rock charm and overall fun vibe - very cool for summer! "I've Been Wrong Before" is the clear outlier here, but "Novocaine" and "You Can't Get What You Want" are becoming more enjoyable with each spin.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 5

Michael Gross and the Statuettes on MySpace. Official site.