In the midst of an explosion of new singer/songwriters and experimental indie rock bands, emerges an artist set right in the middle. California native Jeffrey Scott's debut album, Last Rites for a Dying Heart takes a lot of flavor from Modest Mouse and company, and adds his own songwriting flair. The result is 15 songs that create a colorful 52 minute whirlwind of music. The album seems to strive for a very unusual mix of folk rock and vaudeville. While the songwriting is absolutely superb, with seemingly endless catchy, yet comfortable melodies, the album falters while trying to find an identity. Apart from the overly clichι sounds of an orchestra warming up at the beginning of the album, several songs seem to take a sudden, drastic style change, leaving the listener wondering if multiple rough cuts of the song were spliced together in a deadline rush.
A few songs, however, are pure bliss. "Don't" and "All That I Can Do" especially stand out as examples of the ingenious songwriting, thankfully untouched by the troubles that seem to haunt a few other songs. Scott's melodies seem to have a rare knack for being extremely enjoyable, nearly impossible to dislike, yet at the same time don't stay stuck in your head for hours on end; a thoroughly pleasing combination.
Overall, this is a very enjoyable album. Scott's songwriting sets the foundation for what will hopefully someday become a long list of fantastic albums.
