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Here we have another band that cannot be easily classified – the ten songs contained on One Long Apology fall somewhere between Wilco and The Shins musically, but older listeners will hear traces of the bands that influenced those bands as well.  

For example, the extraordinary track "Music is Not Music" mixes vocals in the mode of The Cars and Cheap Trick, while "An Eastern Western" channels Tom Petty.   "Illegal" is a repetitive song that could have been done by Ben Folds, if he had more of an edge to his voice.  "Anything But Giants" employs a use of strings that is pleasing. 

"Brave New Radio" is as good as anything here, and "Seasick on Shore Leave" is a haunting Smiths meets Lou Reed with a dash of David Bowie number that will cause you to hit "repeat".   "Imaginary Sin" evokes John Lennon's solo work, and "Storm's Gonna Come" is a throwback, a sprawling musical romp that recalls The Band.  

If a band is truly a representation of its influences, the Payola Reserve has chosen wisely.  While incorporating all of the above artists, the whole manages to become greater than the sum of its parts, giving everything a needed freshness.   These guys are not just copycats, they expand the music of their idols and create something new that cannot be labeled.  Is it "rock folk"?   "Loud Americana?"  It doesn't matter what we call it – it just deserves a shot to be heard.

Brian A. Smith
April 1,  2007