Pale Young Gentlemen
Black Forest (tra la la) (Science of Sound)
By Aynsley Karps
Published: October 11th, 2008 | 9:00am
After last year’s release of Pale Young Gentlemen's self-titled debut, the group's reputation became that of "the best band you don't know about." But with the upcoming release of their sophomore record, Black Forest (tra la la), name recognition shouldn't be a problem anymore.
As with its first album, PYG (based in Madison, Wisconsin) successfully captures the dramatic nuances of baroque, romantic 19th century folk in their indie pop sound. Yet this time around, the band steered away from the high-spirited and bouncy dancehall tunes prominent in their first album — almost all of the tracks on Black Forest evoke a harmoniously dreamy, mellow tone. There are a few scattered songs featuring fast-paced drumbeats, like “Coal/Ivory,” “The Crook Of My Good Arm,” and “Our History,” making for a pleasantly surprising track placement that allows for seamless transitions. Vocalist Michael Reisenauer (who has a voice similar to Andrew Bird’s) showcases more of a quiver, which works perfectly with the rise and fall of the strings. In fact, PYG lays off the piano and puts strings in the forefront for this album, leading songs with a combination of wild and elegant plucks of the cello, violin, viola, and guitar.
The album almost feels as though it’s a soundtrack to a fairytale, telling a dream — like fable of a man looking back on his life and searching for answers. Traces of harp, flute, glockenspiel, and French horn add to the wistful, faraway feel. Ending on “She’s All Mine, I Think,” the leading man has found his answer for now, but there’s always room for another twist in a future album. The band’s aspiring transformation and maturation between albums should give it an even happier ending this go-round.
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Issue #35
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