Out Like Lambs - Not So Winter Waltz (Music of the Spheres, 2010)

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Out Like Lambs are a group from Ocean Grove, New Jersey whose lineup varies from song to song, however amounts to 16 members on their debut full-length, Not So Winter Waltz. Though that may seem as an opportunity to taunt the listener, Out Like Lambs make the best use of their abilities; no boasting, no unnecessary instrumentation-- just an advantage. This advantage gives Out Like Lambs a distinct sound that ceases to spread itself thin on this album: simple yet memorable songwriting wrapped in colorful orchestrations.

Although Not So Winter Waltz isn't much of a departure from last year's EP, Out Like Lambs expand upon their sound by adding more attention to both texture and detail. The string and horn sections could be songs of their own if isolated from any given track. The saxophone goes on its own frenzied and atonal tangents, one of which serves as the forefront to the instrumental "Dead Embers". The band really shines instrumentally on "Manolin" which features a flute and harp piece that gives the song a really majestic presence. Each instrument has a set purpose, and they all tie in to create fantastic arrangements.

Only minor similarities and comparisons can be drawn from Out Like Lambs' music. Rachel Ade's calm, sedate vocals are somewhat reminiscent of Cat Power's Chan Marshall, the droning "The Loving Eyes of Axis" shows influence from bands like Bardo Pond, and the band's abstract folk qualities could garner comparisons to Cabinet of Natural Curiosities or maybe even MV & EE. However, not one moment on Not So Winter Waltz does the band seem to be wearing their influences on their sleeves.

Out of everything to analyze, only one aspect could be seen as detracting to some: Not So Winter Waltz has a slow, lumbering tempo and pace that pervades, even at its most tense moments (e.g. the Samhain cover "Archangel"). This subdued pacing results in this album's length: an hour. Though that may not seem like such a drag, those in search of immediacy here will be severely disappointed. This could also be seen as one of Out Like Lambs' most defining characteristics, considering its consistency.

Overall, Not So Winter Waltz is a colorful epic of an album, with a plethora of instrumentation that never loses sight of a song's key elements. The melodies and hooks are simple enough to be memorable, however beneath them are much more subtle elements that give the album an unmatched density.

[Out Like Lambs Myspace]
[Buy Not So Winter Waltz from Music of the Spheres]