Sound Proof
Sound Proof

(Independent)

First Appeared in The Music Box, December 2004, Volume 11, #12

Written by Brad Podray

Sound Proof’s self-titled effort is a calm trip through a well-crafted landscape of organic sound, and on the whole, its songs, while simple, lack pretentiousness in any and all regards. Rather than attempting big budget drama that it likely can’t afford, the group clearly aimed at capturing a minimalist sound. However, where many have struggled with a similar approach, Sound Proof succeeds, utilizing its acoustic guitar accompaniments to punctuate the "laid back and chilled over ice" ambience of the entire album. There are touches of folk and Latin-tinged flourishes that grace the collection, and a faint echo of reminiscence hangs over many of the tunes. Tracks such as Jakeamya show off a heartfelt sentiment that is severely lacking in today's angst-y musical world, and with a sonic diversity that rumbles from power odes to head-bobbing grooves to harmonica showpieces, the album is chock-full of quality material. Granted, Sound Proof isn’t for everyone — it’s music is far too relaxed for that, but while no barriers are broken, none are left unexplored.

Ratings

1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!

Copyright © 2004 The Music Box