The Apples in Stereo Go Back to the Future
New Release Returns to 80’s Musical Values
Apples In Stereo
Travelers in Space and Time
Released on Apr 20, 2010
At one point during the recording of Travellers in Space and Time, The Apples in Stereo guitarist/vocalist Robert Schneider described the direction of the band’s latest work as, “early 70’s R&B as it would sound played by aliens and emanating from an alien spaceship.” Hearing the completed project it does seem like the band was beamed up to a spaceship, the one synonymous with the Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra. The music on Travelers in Space and Time – a very pleasant mix of post-disco pop, rock and rhythm – could very easily have been a project Lynne produced.
The band’s seventh release comes out 15 years after their full-length debut “Fun Trick Noisemaker.” During that time the band’s lineup has been anything but stable. Now original drummer Hilarie Sidney has left making Schneider the only remaining original member. Taking over drum duties is new Apple John Dufilho, known for his work as lead singer of The Deathray Davies, while longtime collaborators Bill Doss and John Ferguson are now listed as full-time band members.
While there are song writing credits for all band members, the project is clearly led by Schneider’s love of hooky pop songs. Songs like “No One in the World” and “Wings Away” are beautifully produced and conjure the spirits of bands like the Beatles, Beach Boys, Chicago or even the Lynne produced Traveling Wilburys. It’s these times when the album is at its best helping listeners return to a pre-9/11 happier time before terrorism and emo infused popular music with angst and anger.
The funkier side of the release is where the band struggles a bit. Songs like “Dance Floor” and “Hey Elevator” aren’t bad but The Apples clearly aren’t as comfortable channeling Midnight Star and Shalimar. These songs feel a little forced. They might make a listener consider dancing but certainly aren’t going to cause anyone to make a mad dash to the dance floor.
Overall, Travelers in Space and Time is a very enjoyable release filled with big pop hooks and catchy lyrics. Anyone looking for an escape from the bleak tone of current events today should consider joining The Apples in Stereo on their trip through the decades.
High Point
Slickly produced alt-pop songs.
Low Point
Attempts to channel late 70’s funk.
Posted by Mike Stern on Apr 22, 2010 @ 6:00 am