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Like many of today's lo-fi psych groups, My Education hail from Texas. 

But what is it about this band that set it apart from all others? The answer teeters on the edge of "nothing." 

Quite frankly, My Education could be much more than they are. That isn't meant to imply that they aren't fine musicians. On Italian, their second offering, My Education show marked improvement from their debut album Five Popes, but ultimately do not live up to their potential. 

The band is a six-piece, incorporating viola in addition to their "traditional" band arrangement (guitars, keys, drums, bass). Guitarist Chris Hackstie also adds glockenspiel. These players should give Italian a full, atmospheric quality. Oddly enough, parts of the album are quite barren.

The album is simple, lo-fi ambient rock. Keep in mind that the focus of ambient is not technicality, but, like alternative, focuses on a repeating, often simple melody. My Education have an extraordinary talent for creating emotional music ­ the "rise, fall"  climacticism of the album brings the listener to the edge of their seat time and time again. Indeed, Italian provides many opportunities to jam, but no attention, in particular, is attracted to one unit of the orchestra. Of all the players, percussionist
Sean Seagler is the most consistent, repeatedly developing a complex rhythm around a simple beat. 

On Italian, the production is quite sparse. This may be seen as good-­the earthy mood of the music is very appealing to many people, especially lo-fi fans. The sparseness can also be seen as a hindrance-­it sounds as if _Italian_ was recorded in live sessions. Often the cymbals cut into overdrive and the guitars' tone get a bit sharp. 

All in all, Italian shows glimpses of remarkable talent and solidifies My Education's place as a top act in the alternative scene.

Tom MacMillan 5/21/05
THE BAKER STREET MUSE