CD offers too much distortion

The Backwards Frontier
The Inclined Plane
6 out-of 10

I can appreciate noise; lo-fi, screechy, distorted, 90's garage rock. Often times there are melodic gems hiding in the commotion, perhaps some great songwriting that peeks through with a different perspective. Other times my ears want to fall off.

The Backwards Frontier, to be released on March 15th by Hartford, Connecticut's The Inclined Plane, is a graceful swan dive into the pit of raucous indie rock. Over distorted guitars are swallowed up by sharp cymbals, and the vocals are fuzzier than the wool mitts your grandmother made. I love the throw back to 90's garage rock and I think this band churns it out with a certain skill. Luckily for my ears though, the overdrive is given somewhat of a rest at various points in the album. Well placed slower tracks such as "Wireland" and "Strange On" turn down the amp's gain knobs, turn up juicy tone and reverb, and give the listener a break. These tracks, along with the shoegaze haze of "Better Off Wet" become my favorites of the album. However, I feel that The Backwards Frontier lacks in the substance department. The flip-flop between loud and not-so-loud gets old quick, and the constant sound of cymbals eating everything else leaves the ears ringing in an unpleasant way.

All in all, this is an album I can appreciate. Perhaps if I was at a party and not sitting lifeless on my couch, this album would stand out more to me. I think I'll give it a few more listens, and probably end up enjoying it. Note to all you cool artsy teenagers: Put this album on at your next house shaker and watch your hipster cred go through the roof.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU

Quitters
Lauren O'Connell
9 out-of 10

I'm a hopeless sucker for a female singer-songwriter with an alt-country flare and a cutesy voice. Points are garnered for slick rhythms and melodies, a touch of twang, and outstanding songwriting. Lauren O'Connell meets and exceeds all of these requirements. For the most part Quitters remains intimate and acoustic, and it's perfect.

I'm almost stumped when it comes to describing this album. I enjoyed Quitters thoroughly but I'm unable to pinpoint why. There's something in O'Connell's voice and delivery that capture the listener and never let go. Its upbeat numbers effortlessly got my toes tapping and its hushed moments forced me to listen to Lauren's words and her great songwriting. She digs into the reasons why she has become the woman she is, lessons learned and experiences dissected.

For the majority of the album she's accompanied by nothing but her guitar, and the simplicity works all too well. Quitters has an incredible live feeling to it. Its production makes it feel like it's been performed in a small club to an attentive audience. The few numbers with a full band help bring the album to the next level. The percussion is incredibly tasteful and the organs or pianos come in at precisely the right time.

I guess you could say that Lauren O'Connell is my latest musical crush, and she should be yours too.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU