What can you say about a guy who blends the best and at times, the most annoying, aspects of Daniel Johnston, Ben Folds and Jonathan Richman together? I guess it means there are moments of bliss, joy and subtle tranquility, but on the other hand, there are moments that, regardless if intentions are good or not, come off as irritating, mainly on the vocals (too much out of key, falsetto singing).
Cryns #3 is Toby Cryns with a big helping hand from his brother Noah Cryns (in fact, all his family shows up one way or another on this album). According to the liner notes, Toby sat in his Minneapolis apartment a year ago, busting out tunes and recording the album via e-mail with his brother in L.A. Being in a band with my brother, I always dig bands with the family connect and I think it helps in bringing out Toby's honesty and genuineness. The tracks "Leaving L.A." and "Kids" really worked for me, in fact, most the tracks worked. One thing's for sure, I dug the production of this lo-fi recorded hi-fi record.
Cryns #3's "...if Howard Roark could dance" is stripped down and very straightforward and those things make up for the parts which don't work. I still cringe a bit at those all-over-the-place falsetto vocals, but I can honestly say I would dub this a really good, fun, sweet album. NH
www.cryns.com |
