Basement-Life.com: Peter D'Angelo

They're a folk act, they're a rock band, they sing a capella traditional hymns, and they do it all fairly well. Cordelia's Dad is back with their seventh record, and it contains a beautiful hybrid of styles that share a common base in Americana inspired music. With a trio of vocalists, including guitarist Tim Eriksen - who's slow drawl bears a striking resemblance to that of Michael Stipe - Cordelia's Dad dabble in incredibly slow tunes full of atmosphere and feeling. The styles on the record shift about halfway through, with the beginning of the disc having been put together in 1997, and the latter tunes coming from a 2001 recording with Steve Albini. Things do get a bit weird by the Albini sessions, especially with the ominously gothic lyrical tendencies and the lengthy "Rock Me (To Sleep)" which sounds a bit too much like REM covering Tool. Earlier moments feature quieter arrangements with a folk core and less abrasive acoustic accompaniment. While the record certainly has some odd segues and a bevy of styles, they make for a disc that keeps the listener guessing and is full of surprises. Sure, not every one of the twists is for the better, but when the handful of Real gems, including the solemn "Dark And Rolling Eyes," do kick in, Cordelia's Dad make up for any past indiscretions. REM fans may find this to be especially appealing, but the broad range of styles and subjects can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys laid-back intelligent rock with solid folk roots.