Spring Break
CD Review: Former Wilco members groove in The Autumn Defense
Kristen Podgurski
Issue date: 2/7/07 Section: Entertainment
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02/07/07 - The Autumn Defense is an indie rock duo from Chicago. Their self-titled third album was released in early 2007 on Broadmoor Records.
The project is the creation of Wilco members John Stirratt and Patrick Sansone. Stirratt contributes a multitude of talents to the band, taking on bass, acoustic guitar and vocals. Equally impressive is Sansone, who plays guitar, piano and sings as well.
Jeff Tweedy is without a doubt the man seen as the genius behind Wilco, but Stirratt and Sansone certainly give Tweedy a run for his money with their side project The Autumn Defense.
The Autumn Defense can be described as a mix of Nick Drake, Simon and Garfunkel, and Cat Stevens, among others, all rolled into one tight ensemble.
As a side project of Wilco, I expected great things and I can say I was pleasantly surprised. This is one of the better side projects out there. The Autumn Defense has a sound all its own. This album has a melodic beauty that seems to reach out and grab you.
It provides a striking balance between the sunny, carefree attitude of southern California and the miserably cold winters of the Midwest.
"Estate Remains" is one of the finest songs on the album, reminiscent of a subdued version of The Beatles. "Winterlight" is said to be a direct descendant of The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations," and the influences can without a doubt he heard throughout the song.
The jazz-pop influenced "This Will Fall Away" is another impressive song. It is reminiscent of AM radio pop played by disc jockeys of the 1960s. One of the key lyrics of the song really captures the mood: "Some hearts have things that they will never say / One day this loneliness will fall away."
The Autumn Defense's self-titled album is an incredible feat because of its instrumental arrangements, more so than in their lyrical content, not to discredit the band's writing capabilities. This ambitious effort of Stirratt and Sansone is a triumph in itself in today's cookie cutter pop-rock market.
This album seems to have a little something to offer every music lover. The melody and intonation in the collaboration of their vocals combine to produce a brilliant mix. The album itself has that light, airy feel of early 1970s rock that seems to stand the test of time.
If The Autumn Defense continues the progression that they have made on their previous three albums, the band could very well be on the verge of reaching the same acclaim as Wilco.
The project is the creation of Wilco members John Stirratt and Patrick Sansone. Stirratt contributes a multitude of talents to the band, taking on bass, acoustic guitar and vocals. Equally impressive is Sansone, who plays guitar, piano and sings as well.
Jeff Tweedy is without a doubt the man seen as the genius behind Wilco, but Stirratt and Sansone certainly give Tweedy a run for his money with their side project The Autumn Defense.
The Autumn Defense can be described as a mix of Nick Drake, Simon and Garfunkel, and Cat Stevens, among others, all rolled into one tight ensemble.
As a side project of Wilco, I expected great things and I can say I was pleasantly surprised. This is one of the better side projects out there. The Autumn Defense has a sound all its own. This album has a melodic beauty that seems to reach out and grab you.
It provides a striking balance between the sunny, carefree attitude of southern California and the miserably cold winters of the Midwest.
"Estate Remains" is one of the finest songs on the album, reminiscent of a subdued version of The Beatles. "Winterlight" is said to be a direct descendant of The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations," and the influences can without a doubt he heard throughout the song.
The jazz-pop influenced "This Will Fall Away" is another impressive song. It is reminiscent of AM radio pop played by disc jockeys of the 1960s. One of the key lyrics of the song really captures the mood: "Some hearts have things that they will never say / One day this loneliness will fall away."
The Autumn Defense's self-titled album is an incredible feat because of its instrumental arrangements, more so than in their lyrical content, not to discredit the band's writing capabilities. This ambitious effort of Stirratt and Sansone is a triumph in itself in today's cookie cutter pop-rock market.
This album seems to have a little something to offer every music lover. The melody and intonation in the collaboration of their vocals combine to produce a brilliant mix. The album itself has that light, airy feel of early 1970s rock that seems to stand the test of time.
If The Autumn Defense continues the progression that they have made on their previous three albums, the band could very well be on the verge of reaching the same acclaim as Wilco.
