Funny thing about this review; as soon as Jeff said he was “looking forward to it,” I had major flashbacks of blue drinks hanging from neon green rope, a Moose, and then it cuts to me calling a policeman “sir.” But, after all the fast-paced wash of blurry memories, broken speedometers, and sardine can-like bars, I did remember that I actually did walk out of there with a CD, the latest offering from the five-piece band,
Supermodel-T. And, like my 100mph Ford Taurus, this disc takes you on a quick ride.CJD – A very strong Stone Temple Pilots-esque opener for the CD. It comes in with a very prominent rhythm, and then goes up from there.
SORRY - The groove rocks, and with the vocals loosely following it, that groove really smacks you. Nice change in the bridge/chorus. This one's definitely fighting for the spot as my favorite.
LIKE A SUITCASE – Very alternative sounding opening, with the guitar picking and the driving, yet light, drumwork. The dynamics are great in this song, keeping Art’s vox the focal point, amidst the fuzzy guitar tone and drums. The breakdown is a nice change in pace.
LISTEN - I like the up and down balance of intensity. The background vox on "listen, listen your heart is broke" are nice and give it some great texture.
STATUETTE - I like how the vocals come right in and flow with the guitar. It's a great mellow song that when it really hits, is rocking hard. Man, when the chords change into the "thirsty as I am" part, it really sits nice.
OK – I really like this song because it’s concise and the lyrics are straight to the point. Great little opening riff leads to a really “hooky” melody, and with phrases like “Fumbling restlessly, thoughts of no more shelter here and determined not to stay” and “Your eyes surround me, I’m lost beneath the emptiness, strength is just a mask I wear” grab you and really don’t let go until Art starts screaming.
WORRY – Unlike the previous song, this one really hammers the beat home, with Jeff’s singing soaring above the huge guitar tones. The little motive between verses and to the chorus ties the song together, giving it a nice cohesiveness.
LONDON BRIDGE – One word: mellow. I really dig this tune too, especially when driving on back roads from Allegan at 10 at night (I guess it’s a west-side thing). The whole vibe of this song makes you think and reflect. And for fun, switch the chorus words to “We just like to drink our beer.”
RIVER – The first chord you hear just sets the tone for me. Great drive, the vocals really play well off the rhythm, the chorus burns this little ditty up. Great tune.
SOMEONE LIKE YOU – Nice intro leads into some very delicate vocals from Jeff. The vocals building with the addition of the second guitar in the verse helps take it to the chorus, complete with guitar motives.
SOMETHING FOR YOUR MISERY – If I was to tell you what I liked about this song, it would take up more space than I think Jeff & Art are worth. Seriously, I thought this song rocked from the “1, 2, 3, 4, go!” to the pick slides, to Jeff’s wicked guitar solo, to the breakdown to the…you get the idea. One helluva closer, boys.
So there you have it, 11 little morsels of local music goodness straight outta' downriver. I’m sure Art & Jeff will be quick to point out that this review is three months coming, but to be honest, until this past week, I haven’t taken the CD out of my car. I’m either lazy like that, or I’ve enjoyed the CD that much that I consistently listen to it on the way to and from work. You decide.
Visit the Super
Model-T website for more info and to pick up "Something For Your
Misery"