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Exhaustra

Exits & Escapes (2004)
Greyvan

Reviewer Rating:

Contributed by: Brian
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on August 31st 2004

Is it at all hypocritical to call something "straightforward indie rock?"

Most likely, but with Exhaustra's Exits & Escapes, I can't help but find myself slapping them with the awkward label. The band plays up front, contemplative, guitar-driven rock with a not-quite vocal tenor that gives off a Some Records-like feel, but without the focus on experimental, post-rock tendencies. The emphasis placed on occasionally catchy joints and hip-slapping hooks keeps things interesting; Exhaustra succeeds fairly well in this sense, because they don't seem fit for spastic genre-hopping.

It's certain that the record suffers from a substantial amount of generally under whelming moments, but its knack for staying consistent in moods and pace places it on a scale a fair amount higher than the proverbial notch marked "background music." The flow between tracks is perfect, but the songs don't really build within themselves. While "Vs. the Robots," for example, is a yearning, competent rocker, its failure to really hit a climax in the bridge is frustrating.

Exits & Escapes is worth a gander, but will probably find you scratching your head searching for the exit.

MP3s
Friction
Art of Success
Line Drawn
Torn Away

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Anonymous (September 12, 2004)

I thought the songs were great, original and catchy. The review, not the music, is what left me scratching my head. I could see a "straightforward rock" label, even "punk rock", but "indie" is definitely not the feel of the music. I was also confused by the statement "...they don't seem fit for spastic genre-hopping..." I have no idea what that means. And finally, putting this band on a scale with background music is just not right. Even though you said the music was better than that, the comparison was still made. A reply is requested Brian...please clarify for me...

Anonymous (September 7, 2004)

tie dye the whites red, BA-DA-DA-DAAA!!

boldredletters (September 7, 2004)

You're one up on me, but i'll get it back.

Anonymous (September 3, 2004)

more downward-pointing thumbs for the reviewer not mentioning that the band recorded and released the album themselves.

bow down to me! bow down to me! RADON! RADON!

boldredletters (September 3, 2004)

Thumbs down to this review for not mentioning the band gets it's name from a Radon song. (Yes, I have asked.)

Anonymous (September 2, 2004)

there's no screaming on the record, so how can it sound like thrice's vox?

Anonymous (September 2, 2004)

sounds like Nickleback with Thrice Vox, 13 year olds will eat this up.

Anonymous (September 2, 2004)

nickelback? come on. you people kill me. they sound like thrice which ain't bad.