Meticulously crafted with an ear towards commercial rock radio appeal, Attic Light throws down a heavy gauntlet of ‘90s-style alternative rock with its debut album, Different Shades of Black. The music tows a fine line between reminiscent and anachronistic, featuring just enough charm to not seem entirely dated. Like rock ‘n roll hero jigsaw puzzles mod-podged and hung on the wall in the living room, these six carefully welded arrangements channel hard rock acts from many generations, tipping the cap to Black Sabbath and Deep Purple just as much as their angsty little nephews Buckcherry and Chevelle.
“Demigod/Holiday” kicks off the album with a very garage-tinged Sex Bob-Omb distorted bass riff, quickly turning more towards Crash & the Boys and then promptly into Collective Soul. “Help Me Darlin’” is a skanky swamp groove, the kind of tune that should be accompanied by a brassy and costumed funeral procession down the sticky streets of New Orleans. “Spotlight,” with a sound akin to Alice in Chains or any Candlebox song not named “Far Behind,” will surely make all the Overland Park soccer moms throw up the horns with fervor.
When allowed to breathe and wander instrumentally, the songs develop an increased dynamic punch. The jammed out bridge/outro of “Market” is some of the more interesting work amongst the six tracks, bringing some sass and emotion to an otherwise heavily regimented soundscape. Whereas at times these songs may lack raw emotion and grit, they make up for it in clarity, precision, and sanitation of sound. The bass work of Patrick Rippeto and lead guitar of Mike Pittman particularly stand out, both knowing when best to flex their musicianship and when to lay back in the trenches.
Attic Light is finishing up a swift nine-appearance Midwest summer concert series with a KC album release show at Davey’s Uptown tomorrow, June 27 at 8 pm. If you’ve finally gotten over your Rockfest hangover, go check ‘em out, with Uncountable Kings, Fake Fancy, and Electric Third Rail. Facebook event page.
–Zach Hodson
Zach Hodson is a monster. He once stole a grilled cheese sandwich from a 4-year-old girl at her birthday party. He will only juggle if you pay him. I hear he punched Slimer right in his fat, green face. He knows the secrets to free energy, but refuses to release them until Saved by the Bell: Fortysomethings begins production. He is also in Dolls on Fire, Drew Black & Dirty Electric, and Riot Riot Riot, as well as contributing to various other Kansas City-based music, comedy, and art projects.