Seymour Glass

Seymour Glass: Note To SelfNote To Self (2004)
456 Entertainment

Reviewer Rating: 2

Contributed by: KirbyPuckettKirbyPuckett
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on October 29th 2004In J.D. Salinger's story a "A Perfect Day for Banana Fish," the main character Seymour Glass, a World War II veteran stressed by amending to normal lifestyle, fired an Ortgies pistol and released a bullet from the magazine into his temple. The band sharing the same name as the character is riskin.

In J.D. Salinger's story a "A Perfect Day for Banana Fish," the main character Seymour Glass, a World War II veteran stressed by amending to normal lifestyle, fired an Ortgies pistol and released a bullet from the magazine into his temple.

The band sharing the same name as the character is risking a similar fate with the dynamic musicianship the four Staten Island men have taken a forte to. Note To Self is the debut record from both the band and MTV's poster boy Carson Daly's new-found label, 456 Entertainment. Seymour Glass' sound can not easily be classified into one definite genre. Indie would be the prominent description, but what does that mean anyways? Post-hardcore with the sizeable sound of orchestrated rock 'n roll and acceptance of alternative pop-rock with a jazzy touch is an clarification that no one can accurately interpret let alone fathom what it sounds akin to.

An immense drum beat introduces the musically mellow and unpredictable "Hypervent" pooled with airy vocals this Sparta-like number fails to harness the potential it possesses. "Trigger Finger" encompasses a jazz sense with pianist James Federico's beautiful talent, the bass line strikes like an urban rhythm and the entrance of a commercially acceptable chorus allows for the group to strikingly pull off an admirable effort. The title and musical struggle behind "Car Crash" resembles a mediocre version of Thursday's endeavor "Understanding In A Car Crash."

Seymour Glass is filled with three very talented musicians who are able to perform on the outskirts of a wide musical spectrum. Federico's finger play on the piano is a significant mark on the group and brings to life a unique sound. Not all members are equally as strong, vocalist Artie Kitchen's haunting singing draws resemblances to more laid back versions of Thom Yorke (Radiohead) and Jim Ward (Sparta), lacking the ability to be as compelling and truly capture the audience.

While potential bellows from the majority of the thirteen tracks the tail end of the album fails to bind the abilities I praised earlier. "Broken," "A Drive By" and "Hurricane," which flow 9-11, are practically indistinguishable, gentle piano lead songs with supple drum beats that spill into each other too seamlessly. It takes nearly three minutes into "Abrasion Uncommon" before they can save face with one last worthy track before "Everytime" concludes the record with mixed vigor.

Note to Self leaves me feeling how Seymour's wife, Muriel Glass, must have felt when she found out about her husband's suicide: empty. The aptitude and impending success are laid out; the group simply needs to tie together a few loose ends, not stumble into a suicidal path and assertively use their existing talent.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

NachoHat (February 19, 2005)

Well, actually, someone else did point that out before. Ah well. A fool is me.

NachoHat (February 19, 2005)

"The kid implied that Hot Water Music was a Salinger story, not Bukowski. "

Actually, I didn't. The original comment said that all bands with literary references are disappointing but that ones with Salinger references are especially disappointing. Thus, the original comment was referring to all literary references, not just ones referencing Salinger.

Nice one, buddy! I know it's hard to live up to the high standard of assholery the majority of commenters here have set but, hey, it took me months to notice this and point out what a douche you're being! You got your day in the sun, you rascal!

Anonymous (November 6, 2004)

Bitchbecool is absolutely right, SG did write Car Crash years ago, before Thursday's. As well as a lot of their other music. So I think you should take time to actually LISTEN to the CD and give it a fair review; because I'm pretty sure this review was just crapped on by Bitchbecool.

bitchbecool (November 4, 2004)

SOME FACTS: seymour glass wrote car crash long before thursday came out with understanding in a car crash. Noting similar song titles is lame - the music is completely different. I would also like to add that all of their songs were written before 9-11.

Oh yea and you forgot the title track, note to self - among others like rocket science, cpr, thorazine - check em out people - they're really good. These guys are humble and passionate - their live show kicks ass too.

Anonymous (November 3, 2004)

Maybe reviewing music ins't your thing? Thanks, but no thanks for this awful review.

Anonymous (November 3, 2004)

well, you should.

Anonymous (November 2, 2004)

"The original comment was saying that it's ESPECIALLY bad for bands to use salinger references, but ALL literary referenced band titles are bad ideas.

you dolt."

The kid implied that Hot Water Music was a Salinger story, not Bukowski.

I have no qualms with bands using Literary references.

Anonymous (November 2, 2004)

""'d say Hot Water Music disproves that. Or, at least, is an exception to the rule."

Hot Water Music is the name of Bukowski book, you dolt."

The original comment was saying that it's ESPECIALLY bad for bands to use salinger references, but ALL literary referenced band titles are bad ideas.

you dolt.

Anonymous (November 1, 2004)

Hot Water Music disproves that? What are you talking about? They suck. They totally prove it.

Anonymous (November 1, 2004)

Touche.

fistchode (October 31, 2004)

I was talking about the characters buddy and franny.. zooey was a little full of himself for me.

Anonymous (October 31, 2004)

"psh, I prefer buddy and franny"

That's Franny and Zoey, you dolt.

Anonymous (October 31, 2004)

"'d say Hot Water Music disproves that. Or, at least, is an exception to the rule."

Hot Water Music is the name of Bukowski book, you dolt.

Icapped2pac (October 30, 2004)

Who's High Pitch?

NachoHat (October 29, 2004)

"bands that give themselves literary names (especially ones having to do with salinger) will never never never get as close to being as good as said name. why bother? they can be nothing but a disappointment."

I'd say Hot Water Music disproves that. Or, at least, is an exception to the rule.

fistchode (October 29, 2004)

psh, I prefer buddy and franny.

Anonymous (October 29, 2004)

bands that give themselves literary names (especially ones having to do with salinger) will never never never get as close to being as good as said name. why bother? they can be nothing but a disappointment.

Anonymous (October 29, 2004)

Rockkkkk!!