Spring Break
Play it by Ear
Jordan Kerfeld
Issue date: 4/23/07 Section: Culture
- Page 1 of 1
Walter Alias
'Examples of the Cataclysmic'
Whenever someone mentions entertainers to come out of Branson, Mo., my thoughts immediately go to Yakov Smirnoff and The Osmonds.
Not quite the prettiest picture.
I was somewhat skeptical when a pretty press kit from a Branson rock band reached my hands.
But I soon read about, and listened to the work of, four individuals that might finally put Branson on the map - at least for those of us under age 60.
Walter Alias' sophomore album "Examples of the Cataclysmic" is a perplexing album that has an even distribution of strengths and weaknesses.
The strengths are glaring. The music that Walter Alias makes is loud, yet smooth. I hear a big Incubus and modern British rock influence with a meandering subtlety that is very satisfying. The actual instrumentals of the album are polished and professional.
Water Alias also immediately establishes itself as a trendy, enigmatic band with song titles like "Amnion" and "Speechless with Continuum."
I don't even know what that means.
But I like it.
The weaknesses, unfortunately, are more than desired. While the music is very well produced and of the highest caliber from a textural sense, it suffers once Ryan Wallace begins to sing. He is a very talented singer, and that is not a comment on the sound of his voice.
I just feel his voice and lyrics hold back the group too much when their music vibrates with the potential of something greater. I really believe Walter Alias could be an instrumental-heavy powerhouse in the vein of Mogwai or Radiohead's more impressionistic work.
Another minor bone to pick is the actual musical construction of the tracks. While they have a lot of layers and a lot going on, I really don't feel there is a satisfying ebb and flow of tone and rhythm.
The first three songs seem to swirl and hover in place, never building to anything substantial and never paying off. Melodies are rare, and songs sometimes feel awkward in their length and timing.
While I am taking a critical stance on Walter Alias, I believe with some tweaking and continued work their sound will develop into something fantastic. However, I was simply surprised by the quality of the album, not pleasantly surprised.
I do recommend you check out their work, because it is some of the best local-ish work I have heard lately.
Walter Alias will be performing at Davey's Uptown on May 5.
Grade: B-
jkerfeld@unews.com
'Examples of the Cataclysmic'
Whenever someone mentions entertainers to come out of Branson, Mo., my thoughts immediately go to Yakov Smirnoff and The Osmonds.
Not quite the prettiest picture.
I was somewhat skeptical when a pretty press kit from a Branson rock band reached my hands.
But I soon read about, and listened to the work of, four individuals that might finally put Branson on the map - at least for those of us under age 60.
Walter Alias' sophomore album "Examples of the Cataclysmic" is a perplexing album that has an even distribution of strengths and weaknesses.
The strengths are glaring. The music that Walter Alias makes is loud, yet smooth. I hear a big Incubus and modern British rock influence with a meandering subtlety that is very satisfying. The actual instrumentals of the album are polished and professional.
Water Alias also immediately establishes itself as a trendy, enigmatic band with song titles like "Amnion" and "Speechless with Continuum."
I don't even know what that means.
But I like it.
The weaknesses, unfortunately, are more than desired. While the music is very well produced and of the highest caliber from a textural sense, it suffers once Ryan Wallace begins to sing. He is a very talented singer, and that is not a comment on the sound of his voice.
I just feel his voice and lyrics hold back the group too much when their music vibrates with the potential of something greater. I really believe Walter Alias could be an instrumental-heavy powerhouse in the vein of Mogwai or Radiohead's more impressionistic work.
Another minor bone to pick is the actual musical construction of the tracks. While they have a lot of layers and a lot going on, I really don't feel there is a satisfying ebb and flow of tone and rhythm.
The first three songs seem to swirl and hover in place, never building to anything substantial and never paying off. Melodies are rare, and songs sometimes feel awkward in their length and timing.
While I am taking a critical stance on Walter Alias, I believe with some tweaking and continued work their sound will develop into something fantastic. However, I was simply surprised by the quality of the album, not pleasantly surprised.
I do recommend you check out their work, because it is some of the best local-ish work I have heard lately.
Walter Alias will be performing at Davey's Uptown on May 5.
Grade: B-
jkerfeld@unews.com
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