The Avenues' "When the Sun Was Happy," is, in certain ways, a walk down retro lane. But the four-piece band has its own avenue of style. "When the Sun Was Happy" has a unique sound; it's classically appealing but unconventional at the same time.
An organ and raw, but beautiful, vocals create an aura similar to some classic rock. But the guitar melodies, thoughtful lyrics and healthy rhythm section fit purely into the current indie-rock scene.
The vocals, provided by all the band's members, are fantastic. I love how each song puts focus on one singer, adding in perfectly harmonized backing vocals from time to time.
Danielle Sines' piano and organ abilities make the music irresistibly melodic, while the heavy bass and drums add a rougher edge to it.
The Avenues slightly remind me of something I've heard before, but it's completely different from anything in my catalogue.
The music is fun - it's full of witty lyrics and catchy hooks. Aaron Saul's bass lines, especially those of "Peppermint's Song," really set the whole music in an easygoing flow.
But the tone sometimes is rather melancholy, and I love that. Especially in "Life in Lectures," the soft guitar notes melt over the rhythm section, which, much to my pleasure, drummer Josh Foutch isn't shy on the skins.
"Walking Through" is a perfect example of the aforementioned retro-rock-meets-indie-rock aspect. It begins with beautiful guitar tone and a beat that makes it sound a lot like mid-1960s soul rock. But the vocals tear open the classic style to reveal a less happy-go-lucky sound with catchy piano lines.
"Motion Sickness" features the best vocals on the album, with pure boy/girl charm with truly beautiful backing harmonization from Sines, who, I must add, has a great voice. Her pipes are both pretty and demanding at the same time. Sometimes soft, sometimes loud, Sines has what it takes to make a great female rock singer.
For a first release, The Avenues have proven themselves able to write original music that's pleasing to listen to. It might sound like a simple task, but believe me, it's not. "When the Sun Was Happy" is a great start for these local musicians.
For more information on the up-and-coming band, head to the Web site at www.theavenuesrock.com.
If you liked this, you might also like: Other local indie-rock bands, like The Farewell Drive
Suggested listening: Check 'em out live with El Boxeo, The Gentleman Callers and The Casionauts on Wednesday night at Mac's Bar, 2700 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing.
