Quick Review (LP): In Light by Givers

Givers
In Light
Glassnote; 2011

My Rating: A- (81/100)

Best Tracks: "Meantime", "Saw You First", "Ceiling of Plankton", "In My Eyes", "Atlantic"

Talking Heads, Nawlins-style.

NOTES

• Hyper-creative without being hyper-active.
• Sound is similar to Vampire Weekend, with the addition of female vocals and, in general, a larger wall of sound.
• Love the reggae plus post-punk rhythm section they have going on. The angular guitars are a nice touch too.
• "Up Up Up" is a cool tune, but does come off like a novelty. I envision a Sesame Street performance soon.
• I dig it when these kids hit a groove: "Meantime", "Saw You First", "Ceiling of Plankton."
• "In My Eyes" is fantastic. Is it a bit of dissonance that gives it that sound?
• "Atlantic" changes things up really well. Gorgeous opening.
• Nice strings on the closer, "Words." More strings on the next album please.
• Tiffany Lamson has a great smoky/sultry voice. She sounds fantastic on lead or on backup.
• Givers come off like a more muscular version of Talking Heads. The music of Louisiana has obviously had a big influence on them, so they aren’t as cerebral as the indie fore-runners, but the influence is undeniable. Really brilliant stuff this.
• I sort of bad-mouthed this band last year. I repent.

ATTRIBUTES
Cohesion (5/5)
Concept (4/5)
Consequence (4.5/5)
Consistency (4.5/5)
Songs (4.5/5)