John Vanderslice – Romanian Names

When an indie rock album lists flute, orchestron, nyckelharpa, a pump organ, a vibraphone and rabbit holes among its instruments, it would seem fair to assume the record is going to be pretty far out. However, John Vanderslice's seventh full-length studio album, Romanian Names is nothing of the sort. In fact, it feels controlled and thoughtful; this is music for grown-ups. Like Grandaddy.After a number of concept albums, including 2007's Emerald City-about 9/11-Vanderslice has, in a sense, changed tack for this, his first record on Dead Oceans. It's a collection of twelve songs about love, specifically about how close relationships can be like looking into a mirror. In a Progress Report with Stereogum in February, Vanderslice said that "a lot of the songs are about that mirrored self and that almost suffocating thing that happens." It could be seen as a concept album about romantic love, and losing it. We have the "boy meets girl" of 'Tremble and Tear' or 'Fetal Horses' "boy seduces girlfriend's friend." 'Too Much Time' addresses the tried and tested "boy sits on the beach with a rolled up sleeping bag thinking about a girl", and then there's 'Romanian Names' hoary old cliche "boy praises a girl olympic athlete for getting back on the balance beam, even though she's just fallen off." I joke-these are without doubt, very personal songs.Vanderslice has also stated that it was an attempt to make a pop album, influenced by the Beatles' Magical Mystery Tour and Of Montreal's The Gay Parade. All of Romanian Names' songs come in at around the three minute mark and the harmonic and intstrumental writing are reasonably engaging. However, although there's a fair bit to pay attention to, only some Les Dawson-esque piano playing on 'Fetal Horses' and a smattering of unusual percussion initially grabbed my attention. In fact, interesting ideas seem to have been buried, and much of the song-writing doesn't feel particularly strong. The melodies are pleasant, and more often that not, Vanderslice's vocal line is doubled or harmonized, which is very agreeable. The trouble with that is, when he sings lyrics about an ex such as 'I tracked down your friend and won her over slowly, then I walked away, hope it gets back to you someday,' followed by a breezy "la la la la la, la la la la la" it's thoroughly unconvincing. He doesn't sound like he'd dare do anything of the sort.For a long time, Vanderslice has been one of the most consistent-and underrated-indie artists around; any of his previous albums are well worth seeking out. As for Romanian Names, it has an insdisputable sincerity and is a commendable attempt to do something different. It's a shame then, that this slice of romantic indie/alt-country rock isn't really anything to fall in love with. 50%John Vanderslice on MySpace