Fluid Ounces - The Whole Shebang

From their piano-pop sound to their eventual whittling away to near solo-acts, Fluid Ounces parallel the work of Ben Folds in many ways. Fluid Ounces do still operate under the same moniker despite thinning down to one man (Folds eventually dropped the “Five”), namely Seth Timbs, who plays virtually every instrument outside of the drum kit on The Whole Shebang (the title a reference to his own contributions perhaps?). Though immediate reactions will invariably point to Folds, Fluid Ounces are actually a little closer to Howlin’ Maggie due to their more playful, house band charm. Though this charm is undeniable, it wears thin on a professional recording, where it may otherwise captivate for hours in a live setting. This music is truly meant for a crowded back bar. That being said, most of the songwriting is good enough to make a lasting dent in the listener’s head despite the flaw-magnifying effect of the studio. The opener, “Paperweight Machine,” places Timbs’ bouncy piano atop a ska beat, resulting in ultra-catchiness. Other standouts, such as the sexually mischievous “Fool Around” (“I know those legs are good for something / They go all the way to the ground / Wise men say only fools rush in / But I'm ready to fool around”), the defeatist love story “Nobody Loves You (Like You Do),” and the Hee Haw ditty “Selma Lou,” will have your toes-a-tappin’ no matter the setting. Ultimately, The Whole Shebang isn’t the type of album that’ll end up in your changer for weeks on end, engulfing you for 45 minutes at a time. Instead, it can deliver a quick dose of good-time piano rock on command, so keep it nearby if you often find yourself in need. Timbs’ writing and accomplished musicianship should keep him in the game for a while longer, so you’ll be in luck if these doses become habit-forming. [www.fluidounces.com]