Wednesday, December 31, 2003

The Rum Diary - Poisons That Save Lives (Substandard, 2003)

The Rum Diary
Poisons That Save Lives
Substandard

2003

Rating: 7 drunk Johnny Depps out of 10 
 
The Rum Diary are a peculiar type of bird – although located so close to the Bay Area of California, they keep themselves pretty entrenched in the small town life that they know and love instead of escaping to the big city like most folks seem to do. More than likely, it’s this exact type of thinking that probably keeps their music so fresh and inspiring.  What they sound like to me is a heady brew of Three Mile Pilot rock; smart, atmospheric emo of The Appleseed Cast; and the mellow math-rockiness of Dianogah – three great bands, and as far as I’m concerned, if you’re drawing comparisons to them then you’re on the right track. An engaging live act as well, The Rum Diary includes what is probably way more instruments than their tour van is happy toting around and no how to utilize them into their engaging sound. This one is definitely a keeper.

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