Dryvetyme Onlyne

Pictures Of Then
and The Wicked Sea
Self-Released; 2009

Many parts of America are known for birthing bands with a highly distinctive regional feel and sound. Thanks to critics who write about popular music, literature, and even art, people can feel that they’ve visited these locales just by hearing the music. Take Minnesota for instance – due in large part to prominent groups like The Replacements and The Hold Steady, this state is renowned for producing bands that are workman-like in their touring regimens (not to mention beer consumption), while crafting rock music that is friendly, catchy, and hook-laden. What sets such acts apart is the proletarian everyman aspects of their music: there’s an earthiness, a connectedness to the soil that the glitzier pop acts on the East and West Coasts are unable to convey, much less attain.

Hailing from Minneapolis, MN, Pictures Of Then is decidedly aware of the musical shoulders upon which it stands and it does so proudly. This quartet’s new record, entitled and The Wicked Sea, rings out loud and proud with a host of songs filled with Midwestern charm at its finest. The record evokes a sound that calls to mind Summerteeth-era Wilco, or possibly what Modest Mouse might have sounded like had Isaac Brock been born in Minneapolis. There are occasional jaunty aspects of Brit-rock that peek out to test the waters, much to my surprise.

The lead singer of Pictures Of Then has a clear, clean tenor that he employs to belt out lyrics without guile, as he manages to sound idealistic and romantic, steering clear of sentiments both saccharine and bittersweet. The guitars are ample, while never being given to oppressively overwhelming the rest of the instruments, and the bass player’s runs rumble with the best of them. These are short and simple three-minute pop ditties that are easy on the ears – perfect for top-down, the-sun-is-shining, day trips along some familiar back roads.

At times, with songs like “Stuck,” “Ahead,” and “Wicked Sea,” the band dips its toes into formulaic territory, but it does so with a level of talent and propensity for fun that it’s easy to forgive them for the dalliance. Led by “When It Stings,” “Nowhere Is Somewhere,” and “History Of Bones,” and The Wicked Sea is equal parts heart-lifting balladry and upbeat indie-rock, all designed to encourage the listener to eat, drink, and make merry along with the band. Pictures Of Then has definitely done its part to convince people that Minneapolis might be one of the best cities in America.