CD REVIEWS
By Michael Swanger scenescribe@mchsi.com
Pinstripe 45’s
“Through the Darkened Window”
Crying Icon Music
Marshall Hanbury Jr., a self-described “modern traditionalist” from Chicago and leader of the Pinstripe 45’s, recently performed a solo show at the Mars Café, where he previewed material from his band’s brand new album, “Through the Darkened Window.” And though the heart of this collection of eight original folk-pop-rock songs beats to the tales of lost and found love that translate well into stripped-down, acoustic performances, it is best enjoyed in its full electric kaleidoscope. With the benefit of additional musicians and full-scale production, Hanbury illuminates his darkened love life on songs like “Because She Wants,” “When I Lie to You” and “Letter to a Drowning Man” by using an empathy for the feminine psyche and a classic rock sound that is one part Elton John, one part Bob Dylan and one part, perhaps, David Gray. Incidentally, sonically and thematically, this feels like a good winter album. CV
The Pantones
“Inside the Sun’s Wild Flame”
Phonophore Records
The Pantones, a Michigan-based pop-country-rock quintet, might not be on the lips of every Paste-reading, wannabe hipster… yet. But their latest album, “Inside the Sun’s Wild Flame,” might be the one that bridges the hard-won divide between indie obscurity and indie success. With its cohesive collection of roots-rock rhythms, Brit-pop melodies, three-part harmony choruses and precocious guitars, “Inside the Sun’s Wild Flame” is an updated version of the mix of sounds previously heard on the radio during the early 1970s, including The Beatles, The Byrds and The Beach Boys. To put it in a more modern perspective, think Wilco-meets-Coldplay-meets-Old-97s and you begin to the get the big picture. Highlights include the trumpet-driven leadoff track “Circus Freaks,” as well as the country twang of “Back to My Old Ways” and “Sparrow In the Street,” and the bluesy ballad “Welcome to the Desert,” all of which maintain a pop sensibility. CV
