Review: The Seldon Plan “Coalizione del Volere”

Powerpop
Baltimore’s own, Seldon Plan, return with a new record entitled, “Coalizione del Volere” . Consisting of only 8 songs lasting a total of 24 minutes, it may well be considered an EP. We last heard from them on their third record, “Lost and Found and Lost” (review here).

The Seldon Plan writes music for the thinking, sophisticated pop rock fan. With more intellectual lyrical content and intricate song structures, songs by The Seldon Plan usually take a few spins to sink in and appreciate. The catchiness of the melodies that jumped out to impress me last time is not as obvious on this effort. “Fractionation” is a potent start, however, with atmospheric verses leading up to a climatic chorus that is eagerly welcomed when it comes around again. The burst of energy dissipates into the more laid back “Fool’s Gold” and “Starlette Pendant”, both of which are OK. There is an aching beauty to “Fool’s Gold” that many fans will adore. “Love Your Way” and “Our Time In Rockland County” are much more up my alley – upbeat and instantly catchy, with some cool harmony work. “Millennials” is quite the grower as well (video below).

Recommended if you like The Churchills, The Weakerthans, or The Feelies.

iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 6, 7

The Seldon Plan on MySpace. Official site.

Check out the video for “Millennials”

The Seldon Plan- Millennials from The Seldon Plan on Vimeo.

Review: The Seldon Plan "Lost and Found and Lost"

The Baltimore power pop scene is about to get a shot in the arm with the latest from The Seldon Plan. This band specializes in "whimsical, nostalgic indie pop" and their latest record, "Lost and Found and Lost", "tells the story of expectant hope and recession blues". "Lost and Found and Lost" is their third record, and for The Seldon Plan the third may well be the charm.

The Seldon Plan established a good reputation in pop circles with 2007's record, "The Collective Now", which was named a top 40 record of that year by The Big Takeover, and one of the "Best Baltimore albums of 2007" by The Baltimore Sun. "Lost and Found and Lost" will serve to solidify that reputation. The band, a tad older and wiser now, have created a highly consistent, soaring piece of indie pop. Each song features lush arrangements, well-crafted harmonies, and intelligent lyrics. The vocals are gentle and soothing with richly textured music to match..."Lost and Found and Lost" goes down nice and smooth, with no bitter aftertaste. There is a host of creative extras peppered into the songs, such as a bit of trumpet here or cello there, some well placed hand claps or la-las, all of which keep things fresh and surprising.

Some interesting bits of trivia about the new songs can be found on the band's official site. For example, three of the songs are direct “responses” to other famous tunes. My favorite tune on the CD, the acoustic based “Philadelphia and a Moment”, is a response to Fleetwood Mac’s classic “Sara”.

I'd recommend The Seldon Plan for fans of Death Cab For Cutie, Pernice Brothers, Nada Surf, or The Churchills. And, if you are near Baltimore, go catch their CD release party at the Metro Gallery on June 27. All eyes are on them...

iPOD-worthy: 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12

The Seldon Plan at MySpace. Official site.