Ampline

Ampline

The Choir

Sofaburn

This is the first album from the Cincinnati based trio, who at the time of this release were a four piece, all instrumental band. Mike Montgomery, guitarist, would later sing, and the whole band would write lyrics. This album established them as an indie rock force.

Without being pretentious about it, these instrumentals are much like the best jazz, in that there is the structure of incredibly complex songs sounding simple. While there isn’t a lot of jamming or improvising, the interplay between instruments resembles jazz. This is indie rock, but with the same quiet power as jazz. While hard charging, it's also soothing, and in the end, like the best jazz, a delight to hear. The interplay between bassist Kevin Schmidt and drummer Rick McCarty, and the guitars is thrilling. So if you want a different and great type of indie rock, this is for you. It's enjoyable and serious fun, too.

Andrea Weiss