Album: Curtis Lane
Year: 2010
Genre: Ambient, Dream Pop, Mildly Electronic
Country: U.S. (Cali)
Sometimes, you just find albums in your library without any recollection of when, why or how you got them. Everyone reading has probably looked through their collection once and said, "who the fuck are these guys?" Sometimes, they're things you downloaded and forgot to listen to, or just downloaded for the indie cred. Regardless, its there, you're bored, and you feel like listening to something new. The initial reaction is to go online, see if pitchfork gave it a review (don't lie, you all do it), and if there is none, you know you have a hipster victory token. Two things can happen from here, you could either find your band of the week, or found something to contribute to the infamous recycling bin. Finding a hidden treasure on your computer is one of the many joys of having a collection that in retrospect, is far too large.
If you were to ask if I knew who Active Child were 2 weeks ago, you would see a confused look on my face. Little would you know, a release of theirs has been chilling in my collection since mid-October. It was found clusterfucked with a bunch of other albums completely unknown in my collection, some of which still have yet to receive a listen. Thankfully, this album has been heard, and enjoyed to its potential. (Incidentally, this album does have a pitchfork review.) After a few more listens, this album has been deemed worthy by a specific screening process.
Calling the album ambient is quite a stretch to be honest, but it kind of has to be included. The album is dominated by keyboard, drums, guitar, and falsetto vocals. However, it sounds nothing like Sigur Ros. Usually once the songs pick up, they are actually danceable. Not that this music was probably intended for dancing at all, but the pace is much faster than most ambient, dream poppy, post-rocky, electonicy styles. It even has ostinatos at some points in certain songs. Point being, this record is far from what it may seem like it may be. Its actually catchy.
The main charm of this album is its 'bedroom' recording feel. Even if you've never heard this term, you should know what it means. Essentially, it has a somewhat personal appeal, like he's actually playing for you. It's like the demos your friends send you over the internet. It's like these recordings feel actually private in a way. He's not in your face about his music. A great release, which shows potential in Pat Grossi and Active Child.
Rating: B+
Tracklist:
1. I'm in Your Church at Night
2. She Was a Vision
3. When Your Love is Safe
4. Take Shelter
5. Weight of the World
6. Wilderness
Link: http://www.mediafire.com/?lx1zvj5u4ki
If you really like him, you should check out his latest release, which became available 2 days ago. http://activechildmusic.com/2011/01/06/daytrotter-performance-out-for-free-download/
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