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ALO
Roses & Clover
Brushfire Records
ALO has perfected a musically diverse album that sustains a feel-good vibe throughout, without falling prey to dull pop formula. Perhaps as a result of the bandmates’ many years performing live together on the Santa Barbara/Isla Vista circuit, they play naturally and fundamentally so in sync that they create a luxurious and velvety tapestry of sound. Listening to the album, I noted all the influences that I could catch swirling around: Donald Fagen, Dr. John, the Beach Boys, Christopher Cross, the Dave Matthews Band (who ALO opened for in 2006), and a touch of Elton John. The most obvious adult album alternative (Triple A) format radio hit has got to be "Monday" with its echoey harmonies and kick drum sparse percussion. It's about light harmonies and crystal cymbals. For all ALO's impressive influences, they still have something unique to offer: an exciting reinterpretation of the classics. Even when they funk it up ‘70s Saturday Night Fever-style, as with "Plastic Bubble" and "Lady Loop," they inflect the core groove with a happy-go-lucky ukulele and alien keyboard warble to round out the fat bass and guitar wah-wah. This is a great album, with soulful and honest love songs ("Maria," "Try," "Shine"), bluesy and classic rock anthems ("Roses & Clover"), some stone-deep reggae and a calming spiritual ("Water Song"). ALO is well on their way to finding a home among the contemporary classicists in the adult rock world. In fact, they have triumphantly arrived.
--Vanessa Arce
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