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Woods, had an album highly by no other, Pitchfork. When a shot to check out this record came up, I jumped at the opportunity and I couldn’t be more pleasantly surprised. I’ve had the displeasure of reading a (lot) of other reviews that I disagree with.

Simply, I found the album to be instantly likable, unlike Wavves (who are a friend of the band), the band doesn’t rely on a lo-fi aesthetic. I wouldn’t even call it lo-fi, sure there isn’t a lot of major production but I find nothing about Woods to be actually of lesser quality. There is not aesthetic, the band doesn’t seem like it has anything to hide – it’s upfront music that is much experimental, involving styles of progressive rock and classic rock like the track “September With Pete” which is a 9 minute instrumental that actually left me satisfied. The track itself has an old placement with songs like “The Number” which is more of a cool little pop song.

One thing to note, is the lead vocals. I really like annoying wailing singers and Woods sort of has a high pitched singer (well he attempts to hit high notes but doesn’t hit them smoothly) like an attempt to be Passion Pit’s Michael Angelakos only not helped by studio production nor as good as hitting the high notes, so he stays manly as his voice cracks.

Woods just has the perfect mix of experimental pop with some folk elements and random riffs, marking a very entertaining record that I could listen to over and over again. To me I’d compare to a riskier Fleet Foxes record, the singing definitely not quite as good but Songs of Shame is very ambitious. Lo-fi is thrown out too liberally with this band, while they are yes sometimes lo-fi, their music is definitely of high quality. I feel like I’d compare to Japandroids – fun songs but not much depth while Woods – Songs of Shame could be borderline fun but has just so much more endearing value. Which means a lot since Post-Nothing was a pretty good album, I just think it takes that step forward

I just love this record. It feels like it’s meant to be flawed but instead Woods show off that they really having nothing to be ashamed of. Their fearlessness allows them to step closer to perfection. Just weird enough to be different but poppy enough to make this a likable record for a lot of people (I’d like to a lot of people would like this but what do I know?).

Rating: 5 out of 5
Songs of Shame is definitely in the running to be in my top 10 list of the year. It fails me to see why this has been getting some poor reviews. Maybe I’ve either lost it or everybody has become anti-Pitchfork?

The Number by Woods
To Hold by Woods

They’re in Toronto for an August 8th date at Sneaky Dee’s. Barring any health concerns…maybe I’ll try to make it out to that one?

Tags: album