Jesus, what a refreshing album this is! Never in a million years would I imagine hearing an Americana record with blatant Britpop tendencies. If Oasis had decided to record a country record, the resulting LP wouldn't be far removed from this.
Ah, but do not let the "country" tag turn you off. Mezzrow (http://www.mezzrowmusic.com) are more along the lines of alternative roots acts such as Wilco and the late, lamented Uncle Tupelo. In other words, it's old-school country fed through a post-punk perspective. The opening number, "Blue & Red," is winsome jangle rock; don't be surprised to be playing air guitar to those driving riffs.
Mezzrow is clearly infatuated with the guitar. All throughout the record they are either chiming, ringing, rocking, and jamming. What one of the things that I despise about emo is how they torture their guitars. Mezzrow use them like they should, weaving shimmering, hypnotic webs of jangling ecstasy. Good Lord I got drunk from these lads' riff sex, especially on "Pictures," "Tear," and "Another Perfect Day." Bliss, I tell you!
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As far as Americana music goes, Mezzrow mix different flavors in their sound, mainly European ones. For example, "Tear" has New Wave bass lines that wouldn't be out of place on a New Order 12". And there are similarities to U.S. modern rock, too, such as the Foo Fighters-ish "Quit Me."
But enough already! Get off your bum and purchase this magnificent beast immediately!
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