Spawned somewhere along the West Coast comes Parlour Steps’ newest release, a call-to-arms for our technology-saturated culture. “Where we go, where we go, cellphones are not needed / Where we go, where we go, our money’s not needed,” frontman Caleb Stull sings in but one instance of yearning for a world with fewer distractions. Despite Stull’s apparent belief that society at large has become replete with vacuous media coverage and pills, The Hidden Names does not come across as preachy or contemptuous. In fact, if anything it sounds hopeful. All 13 tracks are beautifully constructed and carried out with equally flawless harmonization, with Julie Bavalis and new-addition Alison Maira’s back-up vocals complementing Stull’s already pleasant voice. With so much meaning absent in our lives, it’s nice to hear a contemporary group that puts thought in their pop.

Published in Volume 64, Number 8 of The Uniter (October 22, 2009)