1 More Animal

The things that arrive in your inbox part 232… With so little fanfare, it would have been easy to have simply ignored this tidy album from New York band 1 More Animal but, fortunately, curiosity got the better of me. “Boys and Girls” might not be the most consistent album you will ever hear but it more than compensates for that with sharp song writing, a sense of fun and a plethora of those long forgotten adjuncts to ear friendliness: hooks and melodies.

Let’s consider a few songs that highlight this band’s respectful but developmental take on radio friendly pop music. First off, take the bone dry humour of “After School Special” as a fine example of the American mall rock style getting turned on its head by wry social commentary. Then you even have a power ballad (“Did I”) that shows both a splendid grasp of commercial song writing and a delightfully emotive approach. I More Animal have chameleon like capabilities, however, and demonstrate them here, there and everywhere. “The Poet”, as a further example, would bear comparison with Jason Webley’s style and “Old Love” is as sentimental as the best folk rock. Evidence abounds herein as to this band’s capabilities.

“Boys and Girls” has more than enough substance to make those of us who appreciate proper, intelligent song writing happy and I, for one, would be even happier if 1 More Animal were to bring me more musical pleasure during 2012.

(I think this album might even be a free download (from Soundcloud). Indulge yourself forthwith.) - BluesBunny