The Rum Diary
Back in the Hardcore Days 7''
Devil in the Woods
2006
Rating: 6.5 consolidated contracts out of 10
I saw the Rum Diary live a whole bunch of times, my time in SF matching up pretty well with their highly active years. These two songs ("High Hawk" being the other side) are very much in line with their other material, that being some blend of dream pop and shoegaze and post-rock and straight-forward indie rock. At their best they were always a bit like a less-dynamic version of Yo La Tengo. The title track is also available on their last full-length "We're Afraid of Heights Tonight."
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.
