I have never had the opportunity to fall in love with another human being, but I have had my fair share of falling in love with music. Most recently, I have found myself hooked on a little band with gigantic talent, The Alternate Routes. I have heard their name tossed around for almost a year now, but have been putting off getting to know them. On New Years Eve, I had the chance to see them live, and I was blown away. This under the radar band of friendly, sweet guys from the fabulous state of Connecticut (my home state!) just released their second cd, "A Sucker's Dream," and I can't get enough.
When I saw them for the first time, I loved their vibe. They sang one song, "On and On We Whisper," and it was a sentimental ballad that spoke of the need to create something that would impact the world for the better. This song starts the cd off, and it is NOTHING like I first head it. It's a driving rock number that made me stop and say "what the fuck is this?!" After thirty seconds of the "new" version, I turned my back on the slower arrangement and became a convert to the cd version. The fast tempo rushes the neediness of the song, echoing the overpowering desire to make a difference.
The following songs build on the silent theme of the CD, the famous statement from circus guru P.T. Barnum : A sucker is born every minute. The Alternate Routes tie in gentle hints of circus life through each song, but nothing comes off campy or ridiculous. Instead, the metaphor holds strong as lead singer Tim Warren wonders aloud, "When did my life start to mean starving on a sucker's dream?" in the eponymous title track.
"Ain't No Secret" is my personal favorite track, about a guy wanting to know his love isn't vain and declaring how tired he is of pretending to not care. "The Future's Nothing New" features one of the most creative instruments ever though of -- a toolbox. If you don't believe me, download the track and you will fall in love.
The disc features some slower songs that are equally intense and optimistic. "Desdemona" [feat. Patty Griffin] is a song about Warren's sister, "Already November" tells about a broken home and lost dreams. "Never Gonna Be Rich" a song that is about a deserted mining town, but hold greater implications of not living life passively.
The CD ends on a pensive note, "Better Way." The band reflects on their efforts to change the world, and decide that there has to be a better way of living than "starving on a sucker's dream." It waxes optimistic, and you know that in their search of the better way, only more amazing things lay ahead.
In all, "A Sucker's Dream" does not disappoint. The songs are easy to relate to, Tim's voice is haunting and effortless, Eric's guitar playing is celestial, and the band's vibe is hard to ignore. Good luck getting the songs out of your head -- I have yet to figure out how.
Scale of 1 - 10? +9
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