Search - Plus/Minus :: Let's Build Fire

A solid indie pop album. Notably consistent.

J. Mccarther | Houston, TX USA | 01/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I don't really listen to alot of this kind of music. It's pretty much just straight up indie rock, in the same category as alot big names like Death Cab For Cutie, The Shins, and so forth. This album is, however, extremely impressive. Not only is it consistently well arranged from song to song, but there is a certain earnestness to the lyricism that I find extremely attractive. These guys aren't nearly as snarky, or self-important as most of the bands they share the genre with. It's nice."

Superb sleeper album

Stargrazer | deep in the heart of Michigan | 11/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"+/- flies under the radar.



With one of the hardest band names to Google-search ever, their presence on the indie-rockscape is the equivalent of someone living in your neighborhood as part of Witness Protection. I seems deliberate, an attempt to remain obscure that gives their music an added sense of discovery when you realize just how good it is.



And "Let's Build A Fire" is a prime example of how good it is. Incorporating keyboards, drum machines, and samples into a more traditional indie-rock mix of angular guitar-bursts and clear, up-front vocals, +/- is nearly as unpretentious and understated as they are arty and daring.



An incredible amount of restraint is shown on "Fadeout," the song that will likely ensnare your ears first. You keep expecting it to burst out of its skin, and when it finally does -- much too late for the ADD attention span of alternative-rock radio -- it is eminently more satisfying. It is a contagious song.



In fact, on first listen the entire album seems a bit understated: mid-tempo indie rock with occasional wiry parts to leaven the songs. Chances are, though, repeated listens will reveal just how darn good this is as you peel it layer by layer. It's like eating at a restaurant that knows they don't have to be fancy or expensive, they just have to be delicious and attentive.



I'd call this a good place to start with +/- (which is headed up by former Versus guitarist James Baluyut) because, well, it's where I'm starting and it has inspired me to seek out their other releases. It's music for the devout indie rock fan, if you're done with all the big names who already have 33 1/3 books."