Search - Sorts :: More There

Greatness

G. Busy | busan, korea | 12/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Sorts (a Washington D.C. outfit that started as three but was last seen with a Skynyrd-like eight members) explore passages on this album that can make you weep. Other parts make you want to dance. Their influence spans the gamut of genres and their talent measures up to virtually any act in terms of virtuousity. The substance and texture of this album will please the listener to no ends.The rhythm, while not funky, per se, maintains a steady groove throughout and I would liken the sound - especially that of the drum kit - to white reggae of the late seventies, early eighties. The guitar element is apparently teeming with notes, so that all that can be done is to let them flow forth in a smooth, psychedelic shellaque that is not unlike the veneer of Hendrix on his slower ballads. The guitar would probably steal the show except for the lazy, understated nature of the music and the fact the other components of the band compare aesthetically, note-for-note with the guitar.Also significant is the voice of guitarist Joshua LaRue, a sound which would disappear on subsequent Sorts' releases. The voice sets the tone of melancholy on the songs "Bowie Knife" and "Slow Camera," where he really sounds an awful lot like Elvis Costello, while on "New Words are Too Bright," there can be no comparison as all components gel in a way that is timeless - this is truly one of the more beautiful pieces I have ever heard.I kind of disagree with "Sonny's Theme" since it just doesn't seem to fit where it is. Still, it's a good song - can't take that away from it - and this album is altogether fantastic.(note: if you like these sounds, also try the guitarist and drummer's side project Sea Tiger.)"