ILAD: National Flags

Despite the striking artwork on the digipack of ILAD's National Flags, which instantly reminded me of some early 70's Osibisa release, this CD is basically one that goes in the opposite direction of any and all first impressions. Can't tell you too much about the band (their website is under construction and there's basically no info on the band in the CD) but they are produced by none other than John McEntire, who has worked with Tortoise and Sea & Cake, which should give you a small idea of what to expect here. ILAD plays dreamy, often psychedelic & jazz tinged pop rock, featuring light percussion, loads of electric piano, and wispy vocals. When the band throws in some synths to go along with the Rhodes, they achieve a spacey prog/fusion-rock vibe, as on "Someday" and "Preamble", and although there are some moments where the band sort of 'rock out' and bring out the guitar, like on "Holy Wars" and "You Don't Need That Shit", for the most part this is pretty laid back stuff, sort of like a jazzy Radiohead. Ultimately it's harmless and quite soothing stuff with plenty of atmosphere, but let's see if these guys can add some catchy melodies next go around, which is what National Flags is really lacking.

Track Listing
1) Preamble
2) D.O.I.
3) National Flags
4) Someday
5) Babel
6) Looking Glass
7) You Don't Need That Shit
8) Subway'd
9) Holy Wars
10) Preamble (Alt.)

Added: June 10th 2007
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2246
Language: english

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