| Straight from the hustle and bustle world that is Portland, Oregon’s music scene. Much like the
Burning Man gathering each year, I have noticed that area being a main source of underground indie
and folk for some time now. This time around it's no different, because The Wanteds are a three
piece indie rock band from that exact region, I often wonder if there is a portal to an indie world
located in the center of Portland. But either way, The Wanteds new album "Failure Looks So Good" is
ready to hit stores this month so let’s have our selves a look shall we?
With mentioned influences ranging from Jane's Addiction, to The Strokes, and the Smashing Pumpkins,
I realized I had a very large window for what The Wanteds could actually sound like. In truth they
have many sounds, most focusing on the indie sound similar bands like The Shins (ironically they are
from the same area), but they do have songs that sound more commercial like bands such as U2 or
Weezer.
The Wanteds' more reasonable sound in regard to a less strict indie sound leaves them open to be
accepted by more people. Songs like "365" and "Blacksheep Energy" even converge on a convincing
expression of punk. So while this record doesn't stand out for being exceptional in any areas, it is
still a harmless release that I won't blast for not wowing me. It essentially does what I wish of
it. It calms me with its prancing indie, charged punk rock, and effects driven soft sections. So if
you are looking for something off the much beaten path of main stream rock but aren't willing to
jump into the underground waters of indie then this will be a nice fit.
~ Derek
September 03 2008 |
