Taking Some Time (EP)
Artist: Street Level Doppler
Indie
Length: 5/19:27

Street Level Doppler is an Illinois-based duo that is known for playing acoustic cover tunes.  Taking Some Time, however, is an EP that incorporates five original songs with an emphasis on songwriting and harmonies.

“Daydreams”  has a throwback ‘60s sound, somewhat psychedelic, with a Jellyfish-like toy piano interlude thrown in for good measure. “Taking Some Time” is more ‘70’s lite rock, and “The Best Days”  is both plaintive and hopeful.

The highlight here is “Not Content to be Unhappy”.  Marrying Ben Folds style vocals with REM jangle pop (think “Don’t Go back to Rockville” ), the lyrical content is strong, featuring lines like “life is not out to get you”  and “You want misery for your company/You’ll have to find somebody new.”

While not the most powerful duo vocally, Taking Some Time was a pleasant little disc to hear.  I could see myself spending time in a coffeehouse with this band, singing along to the cover tunes and clapping for the originals.

Brian A. Smith