EP
Review: Ergots of Rye by The Story Of
By Matthew Toledo -10/15/2002
I get it, and because I do, I feel privileged. What am I
talking about? I'm talking about the music of The Story Of. They are
quite possibly the most unique sounding band in Ohio today and because of
it, they will receive oodles of praise. Unfortunately, history has shown
us that every time something new and unique comes along, there are those
who get confused, moan, complain, and run away to mama. Upon first listen
to The Story Of, you'll either get it, or you never will. Have mama on
speed dial when you listen, just in case.
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Christman, lead singer and key-basher for T.S.O |
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The group blends together a standard five piece rock
outfit with highly orchestrated electronic samples, groove boxes, and
keyboard riffs to form a very emotional and intense brand of sci-fi
mod-rock. Several of the songs have complex song structures that will
never be confused for following the standard pop format. Still, almost
every song on the EP features at least one catchy riff that audience
members at a live T.S.O performance use as a catalyst for moshing or
otherwise writhing on the dance floor.
The Story Of's first-ever
release, Ergots of Rye, is more like a rock-opera than your standard
disjointed rock or pop CD. Taking a cue from British bands like
Radio Head, The Beatles, The Who and even Pink Floyd, The Story
Of has created a theme EP where each song seems to be a chapter
in a larger story. Vocalist Christman Hersha and Alex Huff sing
in a faux-British accent in between blood curdling, Sparta-esque
screams which remind this reporter of all those wonderful arguments
my parents and I used to have. Fun.
While I would recommend
this EP to anyone, folks who enjoy riff laden electronic rock would
enjoy it best. Yeah yeah, there is an obvious Radiohead vibe on
the EP, but don't let that bias your opinion. It's just one of
several barely accurate comparisons to other bands that I'll be
guilty of before this review is over. Exhibit A: Blur, The Flaming
Lips, Abandoned Pools, The Beta Band, and even to some degree Sunny
Day Real-estate. Yep, The story of has a definite emo/brit/mod/sci-fi
vibe.
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The Crowd at T.S.O.'s CD Release Party |
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The only bad thing
I can say about the EP is that it deserved a better recording.
In their defense, they use a lot of electronic "toys" and I'm sure it was hard to mix it all together on the EP. I noted that the
guitars needed more punch and the drummer seemed a bit timid, or
was under-mixed and just came across that way. It's only an EP,
and now that the band has something out there for people to listen
too, I predict their first full length CD will be something to
behold indeed.
