Review - Limbeck

5 out of 5
Artist: Limbeck | Album Title: Self-Titled | Release Date: April 10, 2007 | Label: Doghouse Records | Reviewed By: Sean Salomon

When you remember all of the bands that have come out of Orange County you probably think about numerous punk and hardcore groups. Alt-country is not one of the genres you generally tie in with Orange County, but it looks like Limbeck may change that. It seems that the group gets stronger with each new release and that their latest is no exception. They've found an alt-country sound that works for them. And boy does it.

Limbeck's new self-titled album is rock solid and keeps a winning sound throughout. It's appropriate for almost any time or place and really just seems to put the listener into a childhood-nothing-can-go-wrong happy place. Even the cover art is reminiscent of the Berenstain Bears. You just can't help but like it.

The album kicks things off with "Trouble" which is a song about how Limbeck fits in with the other bands they tour with. The track gets the album off on the right foot and sets the tone for the rest of the album. The album really hits its stride on the song "Bird Problems" which is definitely one of its standout tracks. There are a few more relaxed tracks such as "Reading the Street Signs," "Friends" and the closing track "Sunset Limited." Then they pick it up with a little bit with some more rock with "Keeping Busy" and "Wake Up." The rest of the tracks fall somewhere in-between rock and ballad. On Limbeck's previous release Let Me Come Home we saw a more stripped down version of the band. They decided to go a different direction on this album and add in fuller arrangements that make it overall more accessible. To achieve this new sound Limbeck added in unique instrumentation such as horns, ukelele, chimes and strings.

Some people might be turned off by the word "country" as a way to describe Limbeck. If you're open to different influences in music then the term "country" shouldn't throw you off. The album has a fun-in-the-sun Beach Boys feel mixed with a touch of Tom Petty rock genius. If you are trying to make a decision if you should buy this album just listen to "Trouble" and "Bird Problems." If you dig those two tracks then the album is a must buy. Limbeck has managed to create an album that's great to listen to from start to finish making this album truly a standout. That's a feat that most artists are not able to claim.