This Chapel Hill group is building a buzz around the local scene with the release of it's debut full-length album in October of last year (I know I'm a little late getting to this one...). The band is composed chiefly of guitarist, vocalist and founder Jerstin Crosby, drummer Stuart Cullinan, and latest addition Kyle Long on bass. For their debut album,
Quilt Noise, Tennis and the Menonites compiled (via their
website) "an 18-track album of songs from 3 different studios, 3 different producers, 7 band members, and a ridiculous amount of instruments and ideas."
The Mennonites are a rotating cast of musicians (including members of The Honored Guests and Pleasant) that have helped Jerstin record both the EP and LP, as well as perform live. While their newest album shows quite a bit of promise, it is very disjoint and too experimental. A little over half of the 18 tracks are album worthy, the others just fill space on the album. The opening track, "Cousin D" sounds like it was recorded at home on a terrible tape player and then shoved onto a computer (I know this because I've done it...it sounds bad), and even has a dog barking in the background. In contrast, songs like "Murder Your Computer," "Wicked Man," and "Magnets" showoff Crosby's folksy songwriting mixed with intricate instrumental arrangements reminiscent of The Arcade Fire.
I recommend picking up this CD with the warning that for every couple of great songs on the album, there is one that you'll probably skip. I'm looking forward to seeing these guys live and picking up their next release that will hopefully show the maturity that will make them great.
I don't have any mp3s for you, but you can check out their music at
Myspace.
