Album Review: Bishop Allen - Grr...
- Written by Tom Brogan
Bishop Allen, Grrr...
It's a mystery why Bishop Allen aren't more popular. They've been churning out breezy, harmonious indie rock classics since 2003. Their lack of shows this side of the Atlantic would explain their low profile here, but even in the States their music hasn't found the big audience that it deserves.
Grrr... is the third long player from the Brooklyn-based band. Led by Justin Rice and Christian Rudder the group are certainly prolific, self-releasing 12 EPs in between their albums Charm School and The Broken String.
Rice and Rudder both have a nice sideline in acting, with Rudder playing the male lead in the indie film 'Funny Ha Ha', while Rice put in a memorable turn in 'Mutual Appreciation'. But the music is the duo's main project. The album starts with 'Dimmer'. A pleasant enough opener with dancing strings, although the 'Olly, olly oxen free' refrain is perhaps a bit twee for its own good.
'South China Moon' has an uplifting feel to it and the most singalong chorus on the record. The album's highlight is the fourth track 'Dirt on Your New Shoes'. With lyrics like this there's no denying the band's whimsical nature. Take the shells that you collected/Sew them with your favourite silver thread/ Now you jingle, now you rattle with every step.
Rice and Rudder's intelligent lyrics are all over this long player. Wrapped in with the melodies, percussion and harmonies are stories of heartbreak, revenge, love and loss. 'The Ancient Commonsense of Things' is a jolly, upbeat tune while 'Don't Hide Away' tells the story of a boy's persistence in not allowing the girl of his dreams to get away from him. The cuteness of the lyrics always makes it seem like quite a sweet thing. Well you know I'm gonna write you a letter every day like you were a debtor/So you might as well pick up the phone and give me a call.
Grrr... is a joyful, intelligent record with much to commend it and the patient listener will probably find lots to enjoy. It won't, however, win them legions of new fans, no matter how much they deserve them.