This album is mysterious. Philadelphia-based group Our Fair City presents a highly experimental sound that becomes almost uncomfortable at times. Songs move abruptly between minimalistic drumbeats and full-on fuzz guitar bombardments, but always with the feeling that they’re threatening to change as soon as you get used to a rhythm or mood. Wall Hangings and Chandeliers starts out like a straightforward Death Cab for Cutie rip-off, but a minute in it suddenly gets a massive shot of a James Bond action scene and even some gang vocals near the end. Definitely original. It may be surprising, then, to learn that many of the lyrics on the album appear to be a collection of faux-profound Facebook status updates: “And if I were on my death bed / would you be dying too?” Or perhaps that’s just progressive as well. This will take some getting used to. Download the album for free at www.tinyurl.com/Uniter-Fair-City.

Published in Volume 65, Number 13 of The Uniter (November 25, 2010)