La Strada : New Home

<img src="http://www.qromag.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/lastradanewhome.jpg" alt=" " />It's awfully hard to write anything negative about a band that makes the accordion seem cool again. ...
8.3 Ernest Jennings
2010 

La Strada : New Home

It’s awfully hard to write anything negative about a band that makes the accordion seem cool again.  This is only the start of a long list of accomplishments visible on Brooklyn based sextet La Strada’s latest album, New Home.  From opening number "Go Forward", it is clear that this six-piece possesses an unusually elegant pop sound.  Built on a traditional garage rock band, with some very pleasing orchestral touches, the band excels in an original clash of various older and more modern styles.  The peculiarity of that clash is hard to describe; words can’t do justice to the uncommonness of mixing orchestral pop with elements of classical music, rock and roll, and even gypsy-folk.  The rarity of such a blend is second in wonder, only to the bands unprecedented level of chemistry, despite being together for less than three years.   

New Home dwells in a maze of well-crafted, clean-cut songs, each one more intricately written than the next.  It’s not until a moment of restraint on "My New Home" though, that you can fully appreciate everything going on around you.  The band slows down to a stop, giving you just long enough to gather your thoughts, before building back into the dynamic sound from earlier on.  Overall, the first part of New Home is based on instantly lively songs, while the second half showcases slower buildups, and a softer, more diverse side of the band.  The albums finest moment occurs when instrumentals fuse at the end of energetic number "There’s Only Love", and the beginning of somber ballad "The Mountain Song".  Despite the stark differences between emotional tones, La Strada transitions seamlessly, maintaining the integrity of both, while increasing the overall flow of the album.  Though there are times later on that you’re left wishing for the intensity of the first half, New Home still shows several glimpses into orchestral pop at its finest.

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