Album: “The Art of Losing [PA]”

Description

This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. American Hi-Fi: Stacy Jones, Jaime Arentzen (vocals, guitar); Drew Parson (vocals, bass); Brian Nolan (vocals, drums). Recorded Sunset Sound Studio 2, Hollywood, California. This is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files. Right from the first note struck by singer/guitarist Stacy Jones's band American Hi-Fi, the ex-Veruca Salt/Letters to Cleo drummer is up front about his love of straight-forward rock & roll; the kind that doesn't fit under any kind of pop-punk, emo, or rap-rock umbrella. THE ART OF LOSING finds Jones successfully indulging his tastes thanks to a snappy mix of big guitars and inescapable hooks. If you're still unsure as to what makes his heart race a little faster, it all becomes clear when Jones implores a former paramour to give back his Pixies, Cheap Trick, AC/DC, and My Bloody Valentine records throughout "The Breakup Song." Although this sophomore effort leans towards a heavier sound, American Hi-Fi still manages to sneak in other recognizable influences. Among the most recognizable are the Burundi drumming intro of the title cut that falls somewhere between Adam Ant and Bow Wow Wow, and the soaring harmonies and guitar that should make "This Is the Sound" the envy of any self-respecting Brit-pop band. Fans of garage rock ("Built For Speed") and Sonic Youth ("Teenage Alien Nation") will also find THE ART OF LOSING to be a win-win situation.