Oh Tall Tree in the Ear is like a game of checkers: friendly, uncomplicated, and an enjoyable way to spend 40 minutes. The third full length from Chapel Hill's Roman Candle takes is a large step in perfecting the band's balance between Americana and pop. It's difficult to pinpoint the individual aspects that make this album so enjoyable, but the sum of the parts is warm and inviting. The songs create a sense of motion that drives my mind toward thoughts of home. This effect was magnified as I made my way home in the dark across long stretches of highway 64.
Roman Candle has created some thoughtful and meaningful songs without becoming melodramatic thanks in part to their well-timed humor. The fantastic “That's Why Modern Radio Is A-OK” is a perfect example. The direct commentary on the state of modern pop is offset by light-hearted lyrics like “that's why modern radio is a sack of monkeys to me.”
The album sounds best when the instrumentation has the twang to match the vocals. The harmonica complements the vocal timbre well, whereas the polished shimmer of the string section only highlights the imperfections in the singing, but really I'm just nit picking and the variety is welcome.
The pacing of the album is exceptional and before you know it, Oh Tall Tree in the Ear will be over and you'll be reaching for the “repeat” button.
Roman Candle - "They Say" (mp3)
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