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 Caught in the Carousel "There will be music despite everything"
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The Art of Shooting
Traveling Show
Independent
Although I try to dial back the drama in my personal life, I do enjoy listening to it in other people's music. The Art of Shootings debut album Traveling Show is 11 tracks of art punk melodrama. And that's a good thing.
Weaving a gauzy spider web of vocals, guitar and intensely personal lyrics this Brooklyn based group reminds us of one of the great powers of music; catharsis. For them and for the listener. This is most evident in the lead singer (and songwriter), Kelly Irene Corson's ability to go from a beautiful melodic mood to a screaming caterwaul all in one song. But that's also the albums downfall; it's a bit of a mess.
The emotional roller coaster of this album is what makes it enjoyable. From the opening strains of "Drinking and Dressing" straight through to the more gritty closer "Pet" (unique due to its lack of vocals) TAOS never lets up. Midway through is the song "Birdcage", destined to be the albums' breakout hit. The song juxtaposes Kelly Irene's airy, almost ethereal vocals with an aggressive bass line and driving guitar (courtesy of Julie Rozansky and Gavin Dunaway) and provides further evidence of the bands wicked mood swings.
Traveling Show is riveting, but keeping up with the chaos can be tiring. I'm looking forward to hearing more from The Art of Shooting, hopefully after they work out some of their issues. Or get to know a good pharmacist.
—Pamela Obenchain
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