This week, I'm reviewing local band The Business of Flies's first album, Kamikaze Dreamer.
I'm not going to lie. I've had a tough time.This had nothing to do with the band; it had more to do with this being one of the worst weeks ever. I'm sure you all felt the same after being ripped out of Spring Break to be thrown into midterms. I was kicked out of my nice warm hometown of Atlanta, and shipped back (okay, flown back) to Charlottesville. Alas, I made the journey alone, since apparently checking your luggage at the world's busiest airport actually means not seeing it again for two more days.
So my week back started without clean clothes or a place to sleep. (Note to all travelers: never pack your room key in luggage you plan on checking. I know. I'm officially a jackass.) As if that wasn't enough, I got flashed by an old man on the Downtown Mall.
My week went on (read: dragged on and on for eternity) filled with tests and due dates. Yet when I underwent the initial listen of Kamikaze Dreamer, I was pleasantly surprised.
The Business of Flies hails from Vienna, Va. and is composed of several University students. The album was produced, recorded, engineered and mastered by band member Cliff Usher in his bedroom here at U.Va. It is definitely evident that it was an independently produced record, but in a refreshing way. It sounds professional and still has a unique, not-overly-produced sound. In fact, the only problem I had with this album was the alarm clock used in the end of the title/introductory track; it caused intense flashbacks to 8 a.m. classes earlier in the week, which is never a good kind of nostalgia.
Kamikaze Dreamer is a good album for many reasons, but I have to say the lyrics -- and one song in particular, "The Perils of Being Young and Idealistic" -- created in me an instant affinity for this album. Part of what contributes to The Business of Flies's individualistic sound is the use of violin and saxophone. They also utilize everyday objects for ambient noises. On their MySpace profile, the band describes their sound as "Bush playing songs by The Postal Service." They're close to the mark. Several songs do exhibit qualities similar to The Postal Service and also to indie sensation Bright Eyes. Kamikaze's songs echo the same storytelling aspects found on any Bright Eyes' album, yet they remain individualistic vignettes. The Business of Flies' talent and originality exude out of lyrics such as "At sunset the day seems so clear / we don't wonder what it took us to get us here / everything we've been and everything we'll be / is summed up in this moment in the color we see / in moonlight the shadows fall like tears."
Another thing that sets The Business of Flies apart from other rising acts is their unique blend of vocals. The lead vocals are provided by the different-sounding Cliff Usher and Zach Jones -- whereas Usher brings a rock vibe, Jones feels more laid-back. This difference in vocals and the addition of the band's talented instrumentals creates a refreshing resonance. After multiple listens, it is still astounding to me that this was recorded from Usher's bedroom.
Kamikaze Dreamer not only almost made up for me getting flashed by an old man but is also an amazing album that proves the ability and skill of The Business of Flies.
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