REVIEW

"Fantasy Memorial" Dinosaur Feathers

Playing in a band you get alot of free CD's from other bands, most of which end up unlistened to, collecting dust or even thrown out. It's cruel, but true. To play a nice set of songs live is one thing, but to capture them well on record is not an easy task. Believe me. Well, unless you're in the band Dinosaur Feathers. Somehow they have the ability to go from an awesome live show, with tons of energy, to a 10 song LP that brims with everything you loved when you saw them live, and more.

'I Ni Sogoma' starts the album off with the quiet sounds of summer. Walking through the city park, listening to the morning birds, and hearing some children off in the distance, and then suddenly...a swoop of voices give way to the first guitar chords of the album. Light but percussive strums that signal you to put down what you're doing now, because you are about to be on your feet for the next 10 songs! The dance is a little bit different from what we may be used to. It's not Passion Pit, or LCD Soundsystem. It's not club music, or even a post-disco style. This is pure summer time, tropicalia meets african grooves, late night bar-b-que, fun in the sun jams!

Right from the first song you understand what is special about this band, their voices. There are only three members playing keys, guitar, bass, and a drum machine, no drummer. Not many musicians have as smooth and strong a voice as Greg Sullo, but he is equally lucky to have two other members just as talented to help weave the harmonies that take over the record. The harmonies aren't quite Beach Boys, not really Animal Collective, but sit somewhere in the middle. It actually reminds me of The Beatles during their 'Rubber Soul' and 'Revolver' albums.

The stand out track is 'Venedla Vida'. Named after the writer, the track has probably the most familiar sound I've ever heard put on record, the chimes of a grandfather clock. That sound at the beginning of the song brings me right back to weekends spent at, well, my grandfathers! Once the music begins you can feel that this is a 'single'. This is a strong song, with strong melodies, and well constructed arrangements. My Favorite! I first heard this song from another blog(thanks Pop Tarts!!), and knew this album would be 10 times better than my current favorite CD in rotation, Dino Feathers' first EP 'Early Morning Risers', and it is!

The album proceeds with one of the best named songs in a while, 'Teenage Whore'. Not to worry, there is no stop to the dancing. They keep that going through 'Family Waves', until we slow down with the lush 'Sleeping In'. You'll notice that morning and sleeping are a constant theme with the Feathers. 'History Lessons' pick right back up, and the party continues througout the rest of the album, finally ending with the title track, and the familiar sound of children playing.

I have had the great privelage of not only seeing Dinosaur Feathers play multiple times, but actually playing a mini tour with them, and really getting the chance to talk and discuss music, and life. Truely the nicest three guys I've met. It's always a pleasure, and you can completely see how the tropical, care free vibe runs through their set, because that's just how they are.

Dinosaur Feathers are poised to do big things this year. They just had a show at Piano's with ArpLine, play Sasquatch at the end of the month, and open for The Antlers in July! Keep your eyes on these guys!

Vinyl Hiss Rating: 10/10!!!!