| AC Deathstrike's startling debut, Last Picture Show, hits an ambitious chord.
Hailing from Jacksonville, this magnificently original foursome delivers punchy,
guitar-driven indie rock from a bed of coy, layered harmony and inspired
songwriting. Singer and mastermind Alex Dougherty describes the album as
"basically a single concept, sequenced purposefully to describe a man once on
top of life, hitting rock bottom, with the second half dedicated to his struggle
back up."
"Sunny days are coming / but not soon enough" wails Dougherty in the
bottom-dwelling centerpiece, "Look Out Below!" Drawing from a bevy of varsity,
lo-fi indie rock heavyweights (Breeders and Guided by Voices) the record brims
with nostalgic songwriting, yet is devoted to surprises and thoughtful detail.
Breakneck transitions between dreamlike interludes and rushing ebbs of electric
guitars identify the young band with a signature sound. The washing din of
guitars couples with splashy percussion, wagging bass and cooing synths, yoking
the thoughtful detail of the Flaming Lips (circa Satellite Heart).
"Technical Thoughts" is a triumphant gem that features a welcoming intro,
catchy chorus and solid verse phrasing from Dougherty's angular vocals (think
Superchunk's Mac McCaughan's cadence). Rebounding from the jaggedness of
"Technical Thoughts," the versatile mellow strums on "Fly Away My Friend" offers
a moment to breathe, projecting focus on the former romp.
The band hits its stride tampering with a traditional, indie rock framework
(bass/drums/guitar), particularly on "Who Knows?", taking a smooth tempo and
layering the vocals and call-and-response harmony. AC Deathstrike has a finger
on indelible songwriting, specifically with the use of arching verses and
noodling guitar melody. All the savory moments are mere injections of
insightfulness into an explorative nod to the past, and that's what marks the
debut as a marvelous feat. (Skinny Records)
http://www.myspace.com/acdeathstrikemusic | 
