From the opening organ notes on
"Howard Hughes,"
it's apparent that
Fernando
's
Enter to Exit
isn't your average
pop/rock
album. Sure, it's full of sweet, somber vocals and catchy hooks -- but the album's got something to it you don't hear very often on melodic
releases -- and that's raw emotion.
consist of Portland, OR,
pop
songwriter
Fernando Viciconte
, as well as
Jeff "Chet" Lyster
and
Derek Brown
(both of
the Eels
),
Richmond Fontaine
Paul Brainard
,
Qwee
, and
Lewi Longmire
(a stalwart presence in the Pacific Northwest's
roots rock
scene). Such a blending of musicians and styles results in a beautifully eclectic album. The songs on
range from lighthearted, upbeat
pop/rockers
in the vein of
the Beatles
to mournful, sorrowful
ballads
. The group excels with melancholy tunes like
"The Change in Us"
as well as it does with the infectiously poppy
"The Reluctant Deity."
The band keeps things interesting with pedal steel on the gorgeous
"The Devil's in the Sky,"
a song that could easily find its way onto a
soundtrack
for a
Western
.
switch themes up again with a banjo-heavy
"Pasajeros,"
sung entirely in Spanish. Still, with such a unique style, there's something nostalgic about
. It's somehow reminiscent of early- and mid-'90s melancholy
alternative
even incorporate
Alice in Chains
-style muddy distorted guitar licks onto
"One Trick Pony."
is a dream from start to finish -- an ethereal journey combining aspects of
indie rock
. This is a group to keep your eyes out for. ~ Megan Frye