| For a five track EP, Banana Phonetic has managed to roam around the musical map
with their first release, The Western End. This Boston based four piece claims
to write music for the sake of their love of sound, and the eclecticism of this
album proves that proclamation to be true.
This album is perfect for a long drive on a sunny day. The EP starts out
with a track fit for the beach, as "It Was A Drag" uses simple chords, drum
tracks, and high-pitched vocals for a happy, poppy effect. The album progresses
to become more intense and dramatic, as the instrumental work becomes more
complicated and the melodies more thought provoking. By the time "Metronome"
comes on, the album takes a 180 and suddenly a heavy bass drum introduces piano
chords in a minor key. Here the group enters Radiohead territory.
Overall, this album shows a wide range of musicianship from each of the four
members. Not one of the songs sounds like the other, and each musician proves
his capabilities with the wide range of sounds produced by each instrument. The
songs are powerful and filled with an array of emotion. If this album doesn't
send you on a meditative journey, it will definitely take you on a ride through
different spectrums of sounds and melodies, and make you wonder where this band
is headed next. (Self-released)
http://www.myspace.com/bananaphonetic | 
