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"units of measure" - self titled
With your musical sense of direction pulling you a little to the left, a little to the right, and then straightening you out, you find yourself thinking, this is familiar, this is comfortable, yet, curiously different. Units of Measure's style is most perplexing because it doesn't fit in to preconceived notions. Hints of the last 30 years of music dissolve into their sound, giving it's own unique vibe. It's got a little lounge, funky, jazzy, "vibey," straight forward, to rocking feel, all within its own unique space.
The Record: Starting off with one of their strongest tunes "Everything You Know Is Wrong," a gritty track with a soft vocal line over a twangy electric guitar, the song grabs you with a grooving bass & drums groove that's easy to get into. The song sets the pace for the record, with it's blend of styles and vibe. While all the songs have a distinct sound, there's a common "thread" that strings every tune together, undoubtedly Vocalist Craigie Fresh. There's 15 tracks, all of which are easy to enjoy, and not to forget about track 15, a little silly, and fun, definitely a hidden track, not listed on the CD, starts off with a vibey acoustic rendition of track 1, and goes unique really quick, with ambient sounds a funky, well, you gatta hear it for yourself!
Musicianship: One thing Units of Measure doesn't lack is musicianship. The guys bring some great playing to the record, polished, almost too good. They wonder across styles, and have great textures in their instrumentation. Vocalist/Guitarist Craigie Fresh voice is unique, interestingly melodic, soft, and could be described as pleasantly dark. Notably Craigie Fresh's voice is what makes Units of Measure feel personal, which pulls you in.
Favorite Track: "Never to Fall," track #3, holds its own, it's melodic, with a sexy groove, and it's quick to catch your attention. Mid way through the tune (and later at the end), m'Loa comes in with an ultra sexy spoken word part. Lyrically, it's a tune that can have multiple meanings, a love song, a motivational piece about standing on your own, open to your own interpretation, and almost at odds with the music itself.
Lyrical Interest: "It's a Shame;" "Ain't it funny how a woman needs to put on her face to face the day."
Sounds Like: While it's difficult to hold Units of Measure to any one style, they really do cross a multitude of styles, specifically a funky rock with a taste of blue, yet there's a playful sense and a lounge like vibe. I'm reminded of Barenaked Ladies crossed with Red Hot Chili Peppers. Neither of which describe their sound, but more what it sounds like their sound has been influenced by.
Bottom Line: I'm torn. I can listen to Units of Measure over and over again and I don't feel like turning it off. Unfortunately, it doesn't pull at my strings, it lacks a certain aggressiveness, a tension I enjoy in my music. However, because it's unique, it sets itself apart. Lyrically, Units of Measure is a flavor, for the listener to explore on their own experiences.
Overused words in this review: "Vibe," "Unique," "Lounge."
Article by: John Sebring
Submitted: November, 2004
Artist Website: www.uomMusic.com
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