None the Wiser

Opening with the brooding popper “Tipping Time” (fleshed out by the harmonies of the Sweet Alibi), the latest from local group None the Wiser contains 13 tracks of 90s nostalgic goodness (think the best of I Mother Earth & Our Lady Peace) in a way that the indie kids aren’t cumming all over (though maybe they will - there’s a lot of alto sax on here). Eli Mattas and Zack Kinahan have prepared a disc that’s cohesive from start to finish, with great guests including rapper John Smith on “Back in Town on a Rainy Day” and violinist Jacob Woods among others, and a fleshed out sound that is helped by the mixing and mastering of Ryan McVeigh (Boats). It’s diverse (the moody “Wiser Wizard” and island/celtic blend of “86”) and upbeat, but Mattas’ cool, hushed vocals keep things mellow.

Published in Volume 68, Number 3 of The Uniter (September 18, 2013)

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