Published on May 5, 1999
Being in one of the hubs of independent music in America, I’m
often asked whether I’ve heard of this local band or that local
band. Often, the answer is “no,” simply because there are so many
little bar bands sweating it out on the scene that it’s damned near
impossible to keep track of who is who, even with the Illinois
Entertainer.
And then there are groups that I have heard of, but haven’t had
the pleasure of hearing their music. One such band is – well, was,
anyway – Bob’s Yer Uncle, a group that has been banging around for
some time in this area. With the recent release of their
independent album
Innocence And Experience, I can add them to the “groups I’ve
heard of and heard their music” column… and I have to think it’s
a matter of time before someone gives them their big break.
The group – vocalist/guitarist Adrian Matthews,
guitarist/vocalist Bill Henshell, bassist/vocalist Dan Flanagan and
drummer Mark Treitman – reminds me of a poppier Smashing Pumpkins.
The rhythms they create are complex but do have a toe-tapping
groove to them, and the vocals hide the darker tone of the lyrics
in their simple beauty.
The overall sound of
Innocence And Experience is surprisingly excellent; this is
something I’ve grown to not expect from an independent release.
Opening with the refreshing “School’s Dark Daze,” don’t be
surprised if you find yourself going back to this song often. And I
can’t think of the last time any songwriter dared to refer to
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory in a song (“Bittersweet”)
and not make it sound hokey. In fact, the reference seems so
natural to the structure of this particular song.
But beyond the poppy sound are some grey clouds, something that
will come through on repeated listenings. From coming to terms with
one’s self (“How can I make peace with you / when I retreat from
myself” – “There Is A Door”) to the melancholic existence of the
populace (“We plunge the knofe into the womb of innocence / We
carve out plots of gloom we call existence” – “Innocence And
Experience”), Bob’s Yer Uncle dares to try and be a thinking
person’s band. Such images might frighten some listeners away, but
I think it actually adds to the musical texture that the band
strives to create.
The only “negative” is that it sometimes is hard to stay focused
on the music; if you’re listening to it and trying to do something
else, chances are Bob’s Yer Uncle will just become background
music, albeit enjoyable background music.
Innocence And Experience needs a little additional spice in
order to keep the listener hooked from note one to the final fade;
that’s something that will only come with time.
In fact, I would question if seeing the band live would breathe
some life into those songs. (Side note: I had the chance to see
them recently, but had to pass so I could play “Mr. Mom”… not
that I’m complaining about that.) I’m willing to bet that Bob’s Yer
Uncle would blow even the songs I really liked away with their live
show.
Innocence And Experience is an album from a group that is
just about ready to make the step up from independent band to
something big. All they need now – besides a little more work – is
a chance. Here’s hoping someone will give them the opportunity to
prove themselves on a grander scale.