Kelley Stoltz - Circular Sounds

Kelley Stoltz
Circular Sounds
Sub Pop Records
Grade: A-

Adding to his 2006 Sub Pop debut Below the Branches, the fourteen-track Circular Sounds builds on Stoltz’ rock piano by adding on a more traditional rock set – circa 1960s – with modern electronic enhancements. Similar to previous recordings, Stoltz recorded a large margin of Circular Sounds at home with finishing touches in a regular studio; again with the help of Kevin Ink and Shayde Sartin. Only hinted at in stretches on past efforts, Circular Sounds is drenched with pop in the vein of quirky indie rock and 60s acts. The album begins with horns screeching the sky on “Everything Begins” where Stoltz quick sings the verses to piano. The riff on “Tintinnabulation” sounds made for a movie – though it is not obvious the type of movie; possibly comedy; possibly drama; possibly action. As an ode to a hometown friend, “The Birmingham Eccentric” has a similar warm indie pop feel as the opener and sticks in the mind with a repetitive chorus. Pass on the marginal “Gardenia” and psychedelic pop “Mother Nature,” and take yourself to the sweet little pop rocker “To Speak to the Girl” – where the song moniker sung in the chorus is uber-catchy. The soft-spoken “Put My Trouble to Sleep” literally lulls you sleep while a distorted Beatles-esque guitar floats in the background. Stoltz picks up the piano pace on the entertaining “When You Forget,” before the album’s first single, “Your Reverie.” “Your Reverie” truly does sound like mid-career Beatles song, but sung on a beach with drinks. Skip the poor “I Nearly Lost My Mind” for the strong waltzing “Something More,” which could serve as background music for a longing drama set in a city like NYC. The instrumental “Reflecting” is similar in tone to “Your Reverie,” while “Morning Sun” is a simple short pop bit with a smiley chorus. Circular Sounds ends on the slow acoustic “You Alone,” where Stoltz works hard to close the deal but sounds lost. Circular Sounds makes you feel good about wearing nerdy flannel-paneled shirts on spring days.