A band that is increasingly becoming present in the music scene is Brooklyn based band A Great Big Pile of Leaves (the name may have to grow on you). From humble DIY recording methods, they have recently toured with big time contenders that include but are not limited to Saves the Day, Motion City Soundtrack, and The Appleseed Cast. AGBPOL first played at a local church near my hometown and I was struck dumb at the sound of them. Their set had professional quality and the music was exceptional. Pete Weiland's powerful yet trailing vocals matched with Tyler Soucy's technical yet soulful drumming proved to be an amazing listening experience. I caught myself in dance mode in no time.
In general terms, The Fiery Works (I&II) has the musical consistency of a fusion between indie rock, jazz, pop, and undertones of blues. However, limiting this band to commonplace genres should be avoided. They have such a unique sound that is rare and almost unprecedented in my experience. Melodic guitar and vocals backed by unwavering rhythmic drums remain resolute throughout both albums. The only main difference between these two albums is that Pete Weiland chose to employ other band members on the second instead of performing on all parts but drums on the first. I can find only one song that I wasn't in love with. The pop aspect of the album sound allows it to be accesible to many different musical styles. If you don't believe this then you have to hear my mother screaming the words to AGBPOL songs on car rides.
In terms of lyrics, Pete Weiland writes with a minimalistic and observational style that reveal common thoughts and behavior and even struggles. The songs are usually about experiences of simple fun which reinforce the band name A Great Big Pile of Leaves. Its almost overwhelming how many different elements of this band there are that I enjoy.
I will follow this band with growing curiosity as the days go on. If they have the capacity to create such a fantastic album on a musical whim, then I feel that their sound is only going to grow and develop as they have already shown with Have You Seen My Prefontal Cortex? and BOOM!.
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