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Reviews
The Double - Loose in the Air (Matador, 2005)
The 'Idiocy' indeed! Shame on a young college student from the deepest depths of the OC (and all his friends) for not discovering and singing the praises of The Double long before they were signed to the indie-giant Matador earlier this year. Although the irony in cursing the naivety that has lead to the happiness of experiencing Loose in the Air with Double-virgin ears seems too much, in all seriousness, I’m just glad I have my hands on this album now.
The Double have been enjoying acclaimed success throughout the United States the last year, touring with acts such as The Go-Betweens, Mountain Goats, and Comets on Fire. Plus, their little known debut album Palm Fronds gave them the chance to open for both Interpol and Blonde Redhead in Europe last year.
With their sophomore effort, Loose in the Air, The Double are certain to upgrade their status from best opening band of the last few years to main-stage sensations. This quartet of New Yorkers cling to their ability to stun listeners by surrounding maturely cultivated, smooth-moving pop songs with raw, vocal-driven tracks featuring melodies with sensibilities to spare.
The second track on the album, 'Idiocy,' (the only song to be so generously given to the internet world before the album's release) remains the highlight. At only 2:33, this song of existential non-substance is the pinnacle of the contemporary movement towards minimal, single note guitar riffs and synth-laden productions.
As the cut worm forgives the plough, we too must forgive The Double from rocking too hard, indeed we are forced to as the album progresses by a few sober melodies, created by the aforementioned cut worm wriggling in his grassy, grave far below the cold, smoky Manhattan skyline.
The first of these, 'Ripe Fruit,' is an airy ballad led by the piano and a strict drum beat, further isolating the already lonely vocal delivery. This trend is continued; minus any percussion or instrumentation, except the piano, on 'In the Fog.' The more softhearted among us will pronounce this as the standout track on the album and most certainly even the warlords of indie-rock listening will respect such a declaration.
The last two tracks on the album are perhaps the only letdown, as eight opening tracks such as those on Loose in the Air should be supported by a solid ending. Regardless of the details of album continuity, The Double will certainly be contenders for breakthrough album of the year and are sure to be serious figures in the college music scene.
Ross Mann
Chapman Radio (www.chapmanradio.com)