Annuals"Such Fun"
Canvasback/Terpsikhore
Released Oct. 2008
The first impression of North Carolina indie-rockers Annuals' latest album is the majestic album cover, courtesy of Mr. "Happy Little Trees" himself, the late Bob Ross. And the expansive image is a great analogy for what's inside - an aesthetically pleasing effort that doesn't quite rise to the level of high art it strives for.
Annuals' philosophy for the album seems to be "throw everything at canvas, and see what sticks." Snatches of emocore, joyful orchestral pop, prog and even alt-country blend - sometimes comfortably, sometimes not so much - throughout the disc. At some points it is almost like playing "spot the influences" - that guitar solo seems inspired by Yes, that drum pattern is influenced by Peter Gabriel, that vocal is reminiscent of Elliott Smith.
There are some wonderful moments throughout the album - "Springtime" builds from a delicate ballad into a driving anthem, while "Hardwood Floor" is a relaxed example of the current indie-folk trend. Contrasting is "Talking" a rocking number with falsetto vocals from Adam Baker - it almost feels like if Jimmy Eat World was recording in the 70s.
Nothing on "Such Fun" is bad, and indeed the title is an apt description of the album. But after the final song is done, it doesn't linger.
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