Though the Pacific Northwest has always been associated with the heavier end of rock & roll since the days of
the Kingsmen and
the Sonics, the area has also maintained a strong line in sweeter sounds, from the proto-twee vocal trio
the Fleetwoods to
the Posies, who released the
Hollies-inspired
Dear 23 at the height of grunge fever. Seattle by way of Connecticut quintet
Central Services belong to the latter strain, alongside contemporaries like the
Belle & Sebastian-like
Math and Physics Club, with whom they share lead singer and primary songwriter Kevin Emerson. (Emerson's just the drummer in the other band, however.)
Central Services are a power pop lover's dream: their debut full-length features ten hook-filled tunes laden with sweet high-register harmonies, jangly guitars, piano, hand percussion, occasional strings, and other totems of bands whose musical bloodlines can be traced directly back to
the Beatles and
the Beach Boys.
Squeeze fans may be particularly impressed, since Emerson's boyish tenor bears a striking vocal resemblance to
Glenn Tilbrook, especially on the winsome "Tear Me Down." Other highlights include "She Was My Ride," which with its quirky lyrics,
Todd Rundgren-like arrangement, quavering lead vocals, and
Kinks-inspired "la la la" harmonies sounds remarkably like '90s cult favorites June & the Exit Wounds; the dreamily romantic shuffle "Song '89"; and the sparkling pop/rocker "4 Letter Word."
Central Services isn't likely to break out of the underground power pop scene, but its quiet charms mark it as the sort of album that's due for future lost-gem status among those in the know. ~ Stewart Mason