No Long List Of Side Effects Here….
Chances of getting your music recognized when you don’t play what’s popular? Not good. Chances if you’re from Los Angeles? Even tougher. Medical Necessities, the newest album from alt-underground sensations They Walk In Line, sluggishly medicates the listener in to a deepened state of musical satisfaction, like a hypnotist still learning his trade. From the slightly dreary and sedated guitar work on the album’s opening track “Revenge,” it seems They Walk Line form a sound that quietly falls into place somewhere between Queens of the Stone Age and Modest Mouse. But like your best friends’ little brother who is hopped up on Ritalin, this band never stays in one place for too long. Indeed, there are enough ‘musical necessities’ on the album to keep the listener interested and entertained through a variance of styles. From catchy, upbeat chords to still and somber melodies, it’s easy to see why They Walk In Line have made a big impact in the underground college scene, garnering the support of indie-rock catapult KXLU. Add in the strength of vocalist Michael Romaro, who sounds like a more modest-Modest Mouse, like an A- student from Indie Rock Vocals 101, and you’ve got the makings of something interesting. “Will You Follow?” Romaro sings during “Revenge.” Clearly it seems the band aren’t following anyone in their pursuit of idealistic indie rock.
While they probably won’t be the newest overnight sensation in indie rock, there are enough Medical Necessities on this album help cure what’s currently wrong with rock music today.