Friday, May 1, 2009

Album Review: Quiet Company’s Everyone You Love Will Be Happy Soon

By Mandi Collier

Since the release of their debut album, Shine Honesty (Northern Records), Austin-based Quiet Company has made several appearances in the Dallas music scene. Described by some as piano-rock, the band continues their musical journey, incorporating harmonies and handclaps on their newest, self-released record, Everyone You Love Will Be Happy Soon .

Released in mid-March, the first track, “A Nation of Two” starts things with only repetitious piano chords and vocals courtesy of frontman Taylor Muse. “If you really want to love somebody, it will cost you more than you have.” Muse sings about love, the sacrifices that must be made to have it, and then disregarding said sacrifices. The “na-na’s" between choruses are upbeat and catchy, making your head bob and your foot tap.

“It’s Better To Spend Money Like There’s No Tomorrow Than Spend Tonight Like There’s No Money” is next. And though slightly long winded on the title, the song itself leaves nothing to be desired. With a pop-rock feel, this one definitely fulfills the dance quota for the record, while the “carpe diem” message is one anyone can appreciate.

One of the album’s two singles, “Seal My Fate,” is a slower number featuring smooth, soulful vocals. The song is well-written from all angles as each note, sung or played, comes together to make the perfect mellow masterpiece. “Red and Gold” also adds to the record’s intimate side with slow, acoustic arpeggios as the only instrumental accompaniment. Muse and company sing you to sleep while simultaneously showing how multi-faceted they can be.

Quiet Company

The piano makes another obvious appearance in “Well, The Truth Is…” as it plays minor notes, adding to the song’s appeal. Halfway through, vocals and instruments reach their highest moment, providing a choir-esque feel. Within the chorus, we find out what the truth actually is, “I wouldn’t waste my time with lovin’ someone else, if you don’t love yourself.” Not only do these guys sing and play on par, they promote self-appreciation with each note.

All in all, the record is an impressive sophomore attempt; one difficult to find fault with. Perhaps the least sensible track is found at the very end with “Congratulations April & Lucas.” Although not wholly a lost cause, the end is disjointed, making the song less pleasant than the previous tracks. The songs are also somewhat difficult to distinguish from one another. But distinguishable or not, the songs sound great, thus making this minor flaw less important.

Although these guys have managed to announce only one Austin show to date, there’s still hope that they will continue to frequent many of Dallas’ stages in the near future. True, they do claim to be quiet company, but there’s no doubt that this record is intended to be enjoyed on the loud side.

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Comments

Erin Rice Verified

Quiet Company's CD, Everyone You Love Will Be Happy Soon will be on sale for $5 for 24 hours on 5/5/09 at this website:

http://quietcompany.bandcamp.com/

I'm with the reviewer, Mandi, on this one. This album is worth at least that much.

You can preview three of the tracks on our site:

"Better to Spend..."

"On Modern Men"

"Seal My Fate"

6 months, 1 week ago ( Link to this comment | Suggest removal )