Waving Kissyhead Vol. 2 & 1
Sonic Trout, 2016
9/10
Listen to Waving Kissyhead Vol. 2 & 1
The Cape Cod artist Chandler Travis is nothing if not atypical, and his kaleidoscope like delivery has his pop stylings bringing to mind legends like XTC, The Kinks or even They Might Be Giants on this 2016 record.
The album opens with the multifaceted “You Got Me Started”, where a quirky quality that seems indebted to the ‘80s is aligned with melodic rock’n’roll that’s piano friendly, and “Maybe This Is Our Year” follows and is an initially calmer approach where Travis offers smooth vocals amid soulful organ as the tune builds into a busy display of brass friendly exploration.
The Vol. 2 portion of the listen offers 13 songs, and they’re all vastly different, including the dreamy turned hectic “Bobby Brown”, while “Here For A Reason” recruits a jazzy approach with breathy vocals. “Air Running Backwards” then brings falsetto singing to an indie-pop album highlight.
The Vol. 1 tunes, and there’s just 4, offer the chunky guitar and firm vocals of “E”, and “Your Wife And Mother” brings a ska feel to plenty of rhythm in the bouncing landscape. “Make Yourself Happy” exits the listen with a festive spirit, as horn acrobatics and deft organ fun complement the upbeat singing.
Travis has enjoyed a very colorful career, first spearheading Travis Shook and the Club Wow, before releasing 4 albums with the Incredible Casuals. With the Chandler Travis Philharmonic he’s bringing many decades of experience to a charming and really enjoyable brand of off kilter song craft that’s irresistible, as evidenced by this peculiarly addictive record.
Travels well with: They Might Be Giants- My Murdered Remains; R. Stevie Moore- Afterlife