Straylight Run Album: “The Needles The Space”

Ever since Straylight Run formed, they've had a unique sound and a genre-mixing style that I love. They manage to write catchy songs that with meaningful lyrics that aren't a bit cheesy, and they sound like nothing you've heard before. I have to disagree with the one star review of this album. It's completely a matter of personal opinion whether it's your taste or not, and Straylight Run has grown and tried new things with their sound, so maybe you DON'T like it...but that doesn't mean it's bad. Personally, I think it's thoughtful and creative without being pretentious. I love John and Michelle's harmonies, and I appreciate the eclectic nature of this album. It sounds a little more indie and a little less emo, and I guess some people don't appreciate that. I'm glad that they are continuing to separate themselves from the pack and define their own sound rather than sticking with a safe, generic guitar-driven emo sound. Although I agree with the below review that the most recent Brand New CD is ambitious and amazing, so is this Straylight Run album - it's just a different kind of amazing.

Straylight Run have always been on the verge of greatness, yet never quite there. Their piano laced debut was full of strong songs and excellent musicianship, but it didn't quite do enough to separate them from their peers. 2005's "Prepare To Be Wrong" EP took a more experimental turn, but something was still missing. Whatever it was has been found on their newest album, "The Needles The Space."

The band have shaken things up a lot on this release. Where piano once dominated their music, acoustic guitars play a much more prominent role here. Their sound is further augmented by everything from accordion, mandolin, and clarinet, to a marching band percussion ensemble. As on "Prepare To Be Wong," electronics are once again used to great effect here, especially on the sultry "How Do I Fix My Head" and the Yoshimi-era-Flaming-Lips-on-steroids track "Who Will Save Us Now."

Another noticeable change from previous released is the increased presence of Michelle DaRosa, who sings lead on five songs instead of her usual one or two. Her vocals sound more confident than ever, and she shows a knack for odd time changes and complex arrangements such as "The Miracle That Never Came" and the can-can choruses of "Still Alone." John Nolan's songs tend to stay in more traditional territory, yet never come off feeling generic or forced. "Soon We'll Be Living In The Future" sounds a bit like a long lost Modest Mouse B-side. "Buttoned Down" gives the album its title (and one of its most memorable hooks) with only a stripped down guitar and vocal arrangement. "We'll Never Leave Again" and "First Of The Century" are wonderful arena-ready power ballads, and "Take It To Manhattan" provides the listener with the best bridge between this album and the piano rock of their earlier releases.

"The Needles The Space" accomplishes what many groups have tried to do and failed. It covers a tremendous amount of ground, sounding almost schizophrenic at times, yet not a note sounds out of place. No matter what style or genre they attempt, they always sound like Straylight Run. To have this degree of variety and yet still maintain a cohesive musical identity is something that is very rare in modern rock. I hope that this album doesn't fall on deaf ears; it is definitely the best thing to be released yet this year, and quite possibly one of the strongest albums of this decade. Whether you're new to Straylight Run or a fan from years ago, keep an open mind and pick up this album. I don't see how you could regret it.

I've been a fan of strayligh run ever since 2004. This c.d. is nothing i would've expected after listening to the first c.d, but it is even more amazing. Each song has something special about it, whether its the lyrics that go straight to my heart, or if its the catchy beats or great piano. I would suggested this cd to anyonne, even if you've never heard of straylight run, even if you don't like straylight run.

it's not to say that the album is bad, per say. I just didn't find it nearly as good as the self-titled record, which I loved. Maybe I would have liked it more if I hadn't known the self-titled album, but it didn't measure up to me.

I am hooked on this album, its not one of their finests but definetly worth a good million listens. Its good for any occasion and a definte cheer up. Good for everyone who has a general liking in music, with a wide array of singing and lyrical genius its a must buy!