Second Story Man - Pins and Needles

Second Story Man
Pins and Needles
Landmark Recordings
Grade: A-

Plowing through wake left by bands such as Jejune, the Anniversary and Mineral, Second Story Man from Louisville, KY, show off considerable talent and ingenuity on their first full-length Pins and Needles. Rocking since 1998, Second Story Man also have released two EPs, which, based on Pins and Needles, seem as chose selections. Interestingly, the record was subsidized from a grant from the Kentucky Foundation of Women. I've never heard of a band doing that, but it is great idea.

Composed of a core duo of female singers (Carrie Neumayer and Kelly Scullin), Second Story Man maintains catchy rhythms over epic landscapes of soft melodious indie rock. Accompanying and at times leading the vocal barrage are Evan Bailey and Jeremy Irvin. This sets up a nice variance and composition to feel the lyrics, as exemplified by bands such as the Anniversary. The songs do not sacrifice harmony and pop sensibilities to random mixes of off-timed changes and pauses; though oddities still exist within. Nor do the songs sit as only background and sleepy time music, though surely they excel at both. This creates a degree of separation among like-minded bands. Standout songs on the 50-minute composition include "Save It For Another," "You You You," "No Pioneers" and "Paddle Your Own Canoe."

One can easily envision, and it should be the case, Second Story Man dominating the college radio waves in the near and far future. All future success appears duly awarded for the hard work and resourcefulness presented on Pins and Needles. Unlike the boring barely-whisper ultra-indie sound expressed recently by schizophrenic former hardcore elitists, Second Story Man make the sound good, fresh and honest again. Second Story Man will be on tour to support the full-length and will probably come to a town near you. Check out the record and check them out live, for you should not be disappointed.