The Double - Loose In The Air

Loose in the Air marks the first full-length from former duo, now four-piece, The Double on Matador. They certainly suit the label, and their home base of NYC well. It’s dark and moody with equal parts noise and melody, and you’re sure not to smile while listening to it. What really carry these songs are the plunky organs and keyboards and the Ringo-esque drums. The guitars are more atmospheric and noisy, adding a texture to the song. The bass usually does little more than follow the keyboard bass parts, but given David Greenhill’s dual duties as vocalist as well, its understandable, and I can’t say it detracts from the songs. The thing that keeps this album being really great for me, though, is the lead single “Idiocy.” The problem isn’t that I hate it; the problem is that it’s by far the best song on the album. It’s the most straight-ahead pop song they’ve got. And once you’ve listened to it, you’ve still got nine other tracks of moody and reverb-heavy ambiance. I want a single that’s really indicative of what a band is about, and while it's still certainly the same group, I can’t say it’s the same feel. Who really expects a track called “Dance” to be a seven-minute build up of noise rock? Overall, Loose in the Air is an enjoyable album; however, I think I’d like to see the next one go either more pop or more noise. As is, The Double is trying to do two things at once and getting caught in the middle. [www.thedoublethedouble.com]