Reviews

Kent, Ohio's Annabel win the award for the most indie presentation on their new EP, Now That We're Alive. When this record arrived in my mailbox, I was hoping that there were was more to it than just the beautiful flannel sleeve that it came in and I can honestly say I was not disappointed.

Annabel play some of that simple, straightforward indie rock that brings to mind a more rocking Belle and Sebastian and a less experimental Broken Social Scene. In taking ques from both of these bands while removing the things that make each of them unique, Annabel are able to produce a record that appeals to the jaded fans of the genre as well as the casual listeners.

The EP seems like the right format for these guys. Or at the very least, the right format for the songs they're writing at this point in their career. Each song feels essential to the album, each one expanding on themes and sounds presented in the track before it, though I can't help but think that a full album of this may be a bit much. Of course, that's why bands like B&S and BSS have been so successful; taking their basic sound and experimenting with it throughout the course of an album extends the longevity. While Annabel have foregone this in the sake of creating a straight up indie rock album, they may have to go this route if they hope to keep producing good records. Whether that will take them into the big leagues like the aforementioned bands or leave them in the dust is hard to tell. All in all, this is a good record, but not essential listening.