ALO preview

ALO
Martyrs’, Chicago
Thursday, May 24, 2007

Hanging out with surfer-dude-to-the-extreme Jack Johnson isn’t all fun and games. Or at least that’s the vibe emitting from the new album by ALO, Roses & Clover (Brushfire).

Previously known as the Animal Liberation Orchestra (they aren’t an orchestra by any means, liberating animals, however, may be something the four-piece do in their spare time), the group still sound like the sunny skies and sandy beaches California collective they are, but there is also some serious longing on this record. “Empty Vessel” and “All Alone” lament love that is unsatisfying, yet inescapable.

While these old-time J.J. buddies and former Dave Matthews Band openers sing of love, love lost, or love that has not yet arrived, the rhythms of their collective heartbeats remain intact. Romantic yearnings aside, ALO throw in a healthy dose of funk on most of the album’s piano-driven tracks. Soaked in Bob Seger-like vocals, the title track rollicks in a bouncy groove that continues throughout the entire album. Most of the material seems a bit derivative from ’70s darlings like Steeley Dan, but taken in the context of a long car ride in a convertible Roses & Clover stands up just fine on its own. Zach Gill (keyboards/vocals), Steve Adams (bass/vocals), Dan Lebowitz (guitars/vocals), and David Brogan (drums/vocals) are known to shine onstage and create the bulk of their material on tour during shows. This is the first time the band went into the studio first, so these sparkly, wistful songs should be in a totally different sphere by now.

— Janine Schaults

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly