Swivel Chairs : The Slow Transmission

<img src="http://www.qromag.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/swivelchairs.jpg" alt=" " />The decade-old duo's latest album offers the brighter side of alt-pop with radiant melodies and smooth, mid-tempo rhythms....
5.5 Transit of Venus
2007 

While there's a happy-go-lucky nature to The Slow Transmission that recalls the 60's and 70's, it still has a thoroughly modern sound.  It's upbeat and intricate – blending pop, folk, and rock sounds in a compelling way.

Swivel Chairs is Jason Brown and Jeremy Grites, who are joined by several friends on the album, including members of Audible and Matt Pond PA.  The result is an acoustic pop-folk sound that's expanded on by electric guitars, rock beats, and nimble pop vocals.  It doesn't stretch boundaries as much as blend them – while maintaining personality.  "Easy Now" starts with an acoustic strum and adds a pattering snare and male/female harmony while an electric guitar dances behind them.   It's nothing new, just nicely done.  "All At Once" picks up a harder rock edge while "Clockwise" is a more of an experimental folk sound.  There's a subtle but interesting dynamic on The Slow Transmission.

About as friendly as an album comes, The Slow Transmission has country goodness, 60's rock fun, and modern efficiency.  It's instant stress relief, and a nice change-up to modern indie rock.  

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