Onalaska - To Sing For Nights

I hate it when bands are advertised as "featuring members from." It's always misleading as to what the band will sound like and it usually pisses fans off. Onalaska's press release for this one, To Sing For Nights, was quick to point out that the band featured members of Botch, Minus The Bear, Kill Sadie, and Sharks Keep Moving. Before I've even hit "play" I'm expecting a tear-me-apart, indie-rocking good time. Instead, I'm greeted with a disc of eight slow, jangly-yet-comforting country songs that sound nothing like any of each of the members' bands. Strangely, I'm not marred with disappointment, but instead challenged to figure this band out. I find myself captivated, listening to songs about drinking whiskey, dealing with women, traveling, and drinking more whiskey. The slow ballad, alt-country stuff usually sickens me with its bemoaning, grieving lyrics. Onalaska's Harpel has, instead, a real tongue-in-cheek, ironic approach to his lyrics that fits the loose, bouncy feel of their songs. The musicianship is incredible, creating a charming atmosphere (but you wouldn't expect anything less from a "supergroup"). Standouts on this CD are "Airports", "Blue Reno", and "El Raval". It took a while to grow on me, so don't expect to be swept away by this one immediately. If you're looking for a band that sounds like the sum of all of their parts, this one ain't for you. If you're looking for something slow and sweet to relax to, this is a pretty good (but not great) album. [www.dimmak.com]