REVIEW: What Laura Says - Bloom Cheek

What Laura Says - Bloom Cheek

MMMM

What Laura Says runs the gamut when it comes to music genres, and Bloom Cheek, the band's second full-length, clearly illustrates this chameleon quality. Whether it's the jazz or rock or psychedelia, the band always sounds comfortable, playing with a certain enviable ease that is nothing short of natural. And maybe that's because they sound like a band of brothers, so in tune with each other on every level. They seem so aligned with their music that in performing, the music comes out of them like the air from their lungs.

The band made an impressive debut with their first full-length, Thinks and Feels, which was one of Mixtape Muse's Top Albums of 2008. Now, they are releasing their sophomore effort, Bloom Cheek. The vocals are filled with soul, the music is intricate, and the band never misses a step. Songs like "On the Fence" and "Keep Running Shoes Special" illustrate the band's strength in stepping outside the confines of straightforward beats like the stock 4/4. Their musical talents are not that far a cry from the complexity of the jazz-influenced structures and harmonies of Steely Dan, but with more of a blues-fueled rock 'n' roll sound. They have the technical prowess -- as evidenced on the instrumental "Roll Some Coin" -- but never rely too heavily on their abilities, avoiding the possibility of coming off as ostentatious.

Boundaries are irrelevant to What Laura Says. Bloom Cheek illustrates the band's adventurous spirit. They know their strengths but also make it a point to go where they please musically. And while some bands might sound askew walking down multiple musical paths, What Laura Says sounds confident. The vocal harmonies are so perfectly arranged and executed that the Beach Boys or Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young would be jealous. From the bold, bright piano of "Lines and Colours" to the psychedelic waves and relaxed vibe of "I'd Dance For You" to the reggae-tinged "Grocery List," What Laura Says demonstrates a tenacity for tackling a wide variety of textures and styles not just across the entirety of Bloom Cheek, but throughout each song's duration, as well.

Bloom Cheek is a testament to the band's musical knowledge and skill without ever being overwrought or pretentious. It's an album that demands attentive listening. At nearly an hour in length, it can at times feel a bit longer than it should, but, at the end of the hour, you'll find that Bloom Cheek is a rewarding listen. What Laura Says once again proves their natural ability to seamlessly tie themselves to the music, and flawlessly produce an album that highlights the fact that there are still great '60s/'70s-style rock 'n' roll bands out there willing to experiment and explore the open spaces that are so often left as voids in the rock landscape.

Bloom Cheek is out today on Terpsikhore.

BUY: Pick up Bloom Cheek right here.
(Says it's available July 6th, but the announced release date was June 22nd)