Album: This is Me Smiling
Artist: This is Me Smiling
Website: Official Site & MySpace

{mosgoogle right} Combining simple, uncomplicated vocal and musical styling with a strong lyrical base, the self-titled debut album from Chicago based indie/rock outfit, This is Me Smiling, offers a veritable 'fruit salad' mix of sounds, soul and self-exploration. From the track names alone—featuring "A Better way to fall in Love", "Feeling the Time Pass By" and "Goodbye to Each New Day" to name a few—the introspective, explorative nature of the album is evident. What the band have achieved on this debut; however, is an impressive balancing act between different musical pitfalls. Simplicity is achieved without boredom, self-discovery without pretention, angst without depression and emotion that retains musical energy and enthusiasm.

This is Me Smiling is the brainchild of Dan Duszynski (vocals/guitar), Shaldon Miller (keyboard/vocals), Matt Schuessier (bass) and Adam Kaltenhauser (drums). The release of this debut album marks the culmination of much hard work. It also marks an incredibly exciting phase of the band's career, with the Chicago foursome recently signing a recording contract with Onehaven that will deliver not only this debut offering, but also a second full-length album (hoped to be completed and ready for release by late-2007 or early-2008). The album was largely produced by the group themselves, without the often restrictive involvement of a major record label, leaving us with a refreshingly pure, untarnished final product (the production and quality of the recording, it must be noted, is exceptional...credit must go to the recording company on that point).

The natural ease with which the themes and music are developed is impressive. There is nothing complicated or crowded about the instrumentals (limited to drums, keys, guitar and bass- and even these are used only sparingly), and while Duszynski is able to step-up his vocal delivery to carry a song (as exemplified by the wonderful "Goodbye to Each New Day", where he really lets rip), he rarely goes beyond gently, subdued tones.

Despite the seemingly 'sparse' elements of the music, there is no suggesting of the sound delivered lacking anything essential. Increasing the tempo a little—as the band does on various tracks, and in order to build energy and momentum across a song—certainly doesn't hurt, but This is Me Smiling sets itself apart as much for what it doesn't show us.

It is the unspoken, underplay that draws you in. It is more than a mere suggestion, though the skill and adaptability of the band is there for all to see when the album is viewed as a whole, yet the uncomplicated style and underutilized elements of the group's sound add a new dimension to the music. You know what the band can do when they really want to, and the musical self-restrain is captivating, highlighting their most impressive skills when they are used, and heightening the impact upon the listener.

"Goodbye to Each New Day" is an angst-riddled musical gem, with a fullness and energy unmatched (others come mighty close) across the album. The track builds beautifully; beginning with soft, sensitive vocals, shifting to the energetic, powerful "woahs" that punctuate the middle of the track, and culminating with a brilliant, emotive finale. With moody guitar riffs and the tearing edginess of Duszynski's vocals, melody and vocals perfectly compliment the group's characteristically flawless lyrics. This is music to suck you in, and spit you back out again, but it is one hell of a ride!

The opening track of the album, in any other context, would be startlingly out of place. Produced as a short, instrumental piece (with minor vocal work only intruding in the final quarter of the track), "Ephemera" epitomises everything that is endearing about This is Me Smiling; the subtlety of sound, storytelling lyrics, simplicity of style and arrangement. Once again, there is the ever present hint of something great and wonderful lurking behind the music, just waiting for the right moment to burst forth and wreak havoc.

"Prettier" and "Say what you're gonna say" are similarly strong tracks, again playing to the groups considerable musical strengths. "A better way to fall in love" (featuring guest female vocals, which fail to mould with the group's sound in quite the same manner as Duszyneki and Miller) is another standout, with Duszyenki delivering edgier, grittier vocals to compliment the strong guitar and drum combinations.

The sound delivered on This is Me Smiling will not be everyone's 'cup of tea'. In fact, the subtlety of the music and diminutive tempo of many of the tracks may leave many listeners wondering what all the fuss is about. While the album will not jump out and grab you like some music can, listeners should not be deterred by this.

This is Me Smiling is a risky, ambitious debut in many ways, yet remains accessible enough to achieve widespread mainstream appeal. Brooding and murky in parts, the music is fresh and pure, delivering a refreshing musical package. It needs to be listened to closely and more than once. If you put in the effort with this album, you will reap the considerable rewards!

This is Me Smiling is available March, 2007.

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rbxyatnnqh   |2007-07-06 07:09:29 Hello! Good Site! Thanks you! taskpsyopzv Reply 0   0

kjones   |2007-03-15 06:36:12 This is one of the better, more informative music reviews I've read. I'm definitely checking this band out, going on all that I've learned about thm from reading this. Reply 0   0

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."