Keeping alive the fleeting feeling that an album should be relaxing and diverse-ish, Balto manages to blend this album into a full-night-out kind of feel. The first tracks shake with drums and guitar that both supply jam out sessions where only the slowest of Vampire Weekend, and the like, tread. “Restless Generation” brings in a true indie sound and leaves the listener satisfied, but cut somewhat short for lack of climax. Later the album takes a turn, becoming a late-night club record with a lone pianist and his words. The combination of complex meters from the drummer and a creative turn from verse to verse makes each song a different kind of adventure and creative process. Definitely an artist that can be utilized to bridge between the high tempo rock-hard sections of a spot and the softer, easier listening portions, Balto brings a lot to the table and leaves it pretty plain and simple.

Recommended If You Like: Diners, Wilco, Matthew Sweet
Recommended Tracks: 2 (Restless Generation), 3 (CA LUV)
Do Not Play: 7 (Star of Bethlehem)
Written by TJ Duncan on 03/01/2017