by Joe Fielder
For those who thought they knew what to expect from Shadow Shadow Shade after seeing their previous incarnation play live in LA over the last few years, think again. Their recent self-titled release could be the most important album from a Los Angeles act this year.
Sure, The Afternoons (the aforementioned "previous incarnation") were a good indie pop band, very good even, though their songs sounded a little similar at times. But the group ditched their old material and name earlier this year, then recorded a debut that could go toe-to-toe with any release from Montreal's indie powerhouse The Arcade Fire. (Without sounding much like them, it’s the perfect choice for Arcade Fire fans looking for something different.)
Of all the great albums coming out of LA in 2010, this one is most worthy of attention from a national audience. Their debut is full of unpredictable song structure, is epic without a hint of smaltz (most notably in "Say Yes", even with its horn backing), and retains pop hooks all the while.
The band clearly takes full advantage of the larger number of singers, songwriters, and musicians in the group: No two tracks sound even close to the same. (A huge gulf exists, for example, between the rambling, chant-like song "Your Perfect Wilderness" and the complex, high energy "Pale of Fern.")
It's, as they say, all killer, no filler.
In short: Buy this album.
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