Believe it or not, autumn has crept into Los Angeles. Every summer record takes its place on the shelf, and the wandering listener scavenges. What exactly does a fall record sound like, you ask? Well, although it is significantly cooler and there was a thunderstorm last week, LA is still deprived of that cool chill in the late afternoon just before the sun sets–the kind that makes a Los Angelino snuggle into a fashionable scarf with a good pumpkin spice latte. Luckily. We Are Scientists’ Andy Burrows is releasing his new record, Company in just a few short days. And let me tell you, I’m about 30 degrees cooler already.
Leaves begin to rush towards the ground with the album’s title track, “Company.” The music generates a dreary breeze with Burrows swaying as though he is waiting to be carried away to another place: “And I really should be moving on.” Of course, autumn leaves never remain close to the tree they’ve fallen from.
Aside from Company’s well-known tracks, “Keep Moving On,” featuring We Are Scientists band mate Keith Murray and “If I Had a Heart,” there is much more to explore, which is why I won’t take up the space to remark on Murray’s musicianship. That is for another album review entirely.
Company is full of movement, especially tonally. In “Because I Know That I Can,” I felt as though I had turned on my mom’s radio. I don’t mean her iPod, not even her CD Player but the a-track that used to be in her 1980-something Buick. This particular song has the feel of that infamous low rider oldies classic, “I’m Your Puppet.” Then there are songs like, “Maybe You,” which have more of Michael Buble vibe. Think “I Just Haven’t Met You Yet,” but softer and slightly more vintage sounding. In just a few short minutes I have been transported from the 1970s to the 1940s.
There are, as one would expect in a genuinely-crafted record, those more vulnerable moments in “Hometown” and “Somebody Calls Your Name.” Although Burrows’ album is called Company, ironically a presence of ghosts is prominent. There is an emptiness, but not in the musicianship. Nothing is lacking in quality. “Stars in the Sky, “ is something of a lamenting lullaby, the coffee served just as the party slows and the last streamer falls. This song alone makes you pull your coat tighter.
The chills I’m covered in are not related to paranormal visits, but of the memories that are evoked from listening in. Andy Burrow’s album is set to release on October 22, but you can stream it now for free exclusively at Q the Music.
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