Owls - Two

Owls
Two
25 March 2014
Polyvinyl

4 stars out of 5

 

Owls’ second LP, the very accurately titled Two, sees the band formerly known as Cap’n Jazz offering up some pleasing experimental emo tunes. It has moments which sound like early Foals (“Why Oh Why”), others which sound like Mary Timony (“The Lion”), still others which recall The Dismemberment Plan (“This Must Be How”), and still still others which contain echoes of late Sunny Day Real Estate (“Ancient Stars Seed”). All of these moments are good moments, as is the rest of the record. This group of talented and visionary musicians has released three albums to date, the one and only Cap’n Jazz LP back in 1994 (they would break up the following year), the first LP as Owls in 2001 (they would break up again the following year), and now a third session (after reuniting in 2012) and a third LP in 2014.

The LP begins deceptively accessibly (by Owls standards) with “Four Works of Art,” then veers into left field with “I’m Surprised,” an attempt at a pop song that is as catchy as it is unconventional. “Why Oh Why” begins to chomp at the bit a bit more eagerly, trying to break free of the restraints of “rock and roll” while still retaining some traditional aspects. With tracks seven and eight—“It Collects Itself” and “I’ll Never Be”—Two discards any remaining semblances of pop song pretention and heads straight for the abstract/experimental exhibit. This is some of their strongest material under either band name.

Two is a sleeper. It slowly and quietly sends its tendrils to climb your legs and arms to ensnare you and then sinks its hooks into you so you can’t escape. And you won’t want to escape. With each listen the album becomes more intense, more powerful, and—like a good opiate should—more addictive.

reviewed by Richard Krueger