Speaking Canaries

***Multi-instrumentalist Damon Che and pals return with their third LP. Whereas the previous album exploded across two platters, Get Out Alive implodes, applying the ancient military tactic of maximum force. The 40 minutes of music on the album were culled from more than twice that amount of recorded material, and in a few cases were spliced into new arrangements. Although tremendous guitar noise is still to be found, about half the tracks also display a surprising nimbleness in the pop arena. The songwriting isn't traditionally structured, but the melodies are instant and human. 
Still, this isn't another dreadful Beach Boys rehash; this is a record for fans of the electric guitar. Just as Che's drumming in Don Caballero earned him a reputation as an original voice on that instrument, his guitar playing is just as developed and strikingly expressive (and he does play drums on half the songs, too). Get Out Alive doesn't shy away from the big rock moves, but also creates a world and sound of its own without trying overly hard. So you can hum along to it, play air guitar to it, get baked to it, or just turn it up and let your ears bleed. Or do all those things simultaneously. 
Those interested in the more noise-oriented aspect of the band are encouraged to check out the Life Like Homes LP, which contains the original long versions of three of the songs, including all 27 glorious minutes of "Last Side of Town" (edited to six minutes on the new record). 
 
* Enough rehash already, the Speaking Canaries are NOW 
* Songcraft too, and not the bad kind 
* Proof that the electric guitar as rock instrument is not yet tapped out 
* The best thing about Don Cabellero was the drumming, right? Damon shreds on guitar, too