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The State Lottery

Cities We're Not From [12 inch] (2008)
Salinas

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

Published on January 13th 2009

The State Lottery's full-length release, Cities We're Not From, nicely enscapulates the uncomfortability and searching that plenty mid-20s punks go through. And musically, it soundtracks it with a style and familiarity that should ride well with many of us, too.

There's a raspiness and mild snarl in vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Bobby Gibbons' voice that has a bit of Schwarzenbach about it, but instrumentally, they remind me more of the Weakerthans circa Left and Leaving. After all, these eight well-recorded songs run the gamut from more driven, punk-leaning pushes to more laid-back, Americana-tinged vibes, blessing the album with a healthy variation. There are little flourishes that add great elements, too, like the hum of organ-esque keyboard on several tracks, the complementary brass on the articulate war criticism of "Kindergarten Class" and the cool contrast of female vocals on "Two Way Street."

As aforementioned, the album's themes are rather central to it, too. The title might sound like awkward tourism to some, but it's explained in the first stanza of the opening title track: "We live in cities we're not from / Make our beds in neighborhoods that we barely belong / Searching for some sort of community / And it seems alright, but I can't deny that I'm still so lonely." Living an hour and change east of NYC, I have plenty of friends who fit this description, so it resonates with me well. Plus, the band's general aesthetic remind me of the beloved Bridge and Tunnel (likely friends), so that can't hurt.

With repeated listens, the music and the message of Cities We're Not From grows stronger and builds a solid emotional connection with the listener. This is honest and intelligent, well-crafted stuff.

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Cities We're Not From

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victim (July 20, 2010)

dlang should be the publicist for these guys

dlangl4 (March 6, 2010)

Have I mentioned in 2010 how good this album is?

It's grown over time to a solid 9/10.

dlangl4 (January 21, 2009)

Here's another good review, which pretty much reflects how I feel about the album too.

http://www.canyouseethesunset.com/article/review-the-state-lo ttery-cities-were-not-from

I also meant to give 4.5/5.

dlangl4 (January 19, 2009)

This CD is really good. I normally don't like this type of music (slower tempo, less punk sounding), but I've been coming back to this CD every day since I downloaded it.

The link in the review lets you download the entire CD. It's worth a listen.

Lmnndtlgrph (January 15, 2009)

the acoustic version of the title track recorded for pink couch on ifyoumakeit is fucking incredible.

i cannot recommend it enough. go check it out NOW.

thelukearms (January 14, 2009)

Nocigar

'Sometimes I Drink' is an amazing song! Glad someone likes it as much as I do.

This record does rock hard. Not too much of a fan of 'Kidergarten' or 'two way street' but I like the variation of the record so I can't complain. Tired Songs and Cities We're Not From are sick though..Ridgewood is summer feel good song for sure!

jake358 (January 14, 2009)

I'm really happy you review all of the good bands from LI/NYC.
And I understand that sentiment all too well, it fucking sucks.

Blackjaw_x (January 13, 2009)

I can't listen to this without the thought sticking out in my head that they are way too young to have a voice like this. He's forcing it, it seems. Sounds like American Steel, but not as good. Anyway, I'm being too harsh. It's a pretty good record.

dlangl4 (January 13, 2009)

This is the first I've heard of this band, but I'm liking the free 8 song CD so far.

brown (January 13, 2009)

This was in my top 10 last year. Brilliant under looked stuff. I don't see why Gaslight fanatics aren't all over this.

nocigar (January 13, 2009)

Oh shit..i forgot, check out The Gibbons..his old band from Detroit..I have said it before, but I'll say it again: The Gibbons - Sometimes I Drink is an amazing song.

nocigar (January 13, 2009)

This sounds great, gonna check this out..you always review interesting bands...thank you for that.