This album has been playing itself over and over in my stereo at home. Some times I feel an urge to digest an album to get a full understanding of what I'm listening to. I'm sure all of you do the same thing...I hope I'm not the only one.

 

Paul, from Crazy Dumbsaint, was kind enough to kick me a copy of their new album a couple weeks ago wanting to hear what we think about it. Well, here we go.

 

When I first started the idea of creating a website dedicated to the Portland Music Scene and the outlaying areas, I was afraid that I would end up running into a shallow pool of talent. I started thinking that maybe there are just a few good bands here and then a lot of "sound-a-likes", and how interesting could we make things if what we were writing about was just simply the same sound with different faces over and over again?

 

Well, my fear has been completely washed away and Crazy Dumbsaint's Mortville is a prime example of forward thinking and innovative music that keeps me ticking, excited to keep exploring all the great new bands I can get hands on in Portland.

 

From the first song Smiler, which was pointed out to me and I now agree, is a good intro to the band and what they are about. At first I suspected a simplicity in the composition of the music that as I listened more closely found that there is really a great underlying amount of detail and complexity present throughout the entirety of this track. Plenty of story, guitar playing that will rock you to sleep and then grab your attention and hold you in as they grab a quick ascending scale and slide right back into the swing of things.

 

The whole album travels in mood from melancholy to joyous, and the ride in between is an absolute treat. Thank you guys for sharing with us and keep it coming. I can't wait to get a chance to see these guys in concert as I'm sure it's an experience to remember.

 

Other tracks that I whole heartedly recommend giving a listen to are: Street Sign Vandals (There is actually a Melodica used in this song...you've got to hear it.), Computers Kill Ghosts, and (my personal favorite) Valerian Junky.

 

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