REGULAR

Regular

 

(VERKSTAD)

 

Publicity materials for Seattle multi-disciplinary artist John F. Kieltyka’s musical alter-ego Regular indicates the self-titled debut is indie rock as played by jazz musicians. Often, the tension between disparate elements creates something altogether unexpected, but here on Regular, the band doesn't go far enough. There are the obligatory guitar passages almost reminiscent of Built to Spill, arty/absurd conceptual lyrics (using "Lanacane" as metaphor for apathy) and the promise of something on the brink but it's not quite there. It's an affable enough album. But if Regular were less afraid of normal and let their freak (read: jazz) flag fly, the band could really cook. Underplaying and down­playing aren't the same thing, and Regular, while perfectly respectful, don't do themselves any favors adhering more to the latter than to the former.

PAIGE LA GRONE BABCOCK