The problem with most rock music today is that it tries too hard. Artists become hung up on histrionics instead of harmonies, on tight leather instead of tight tunes, and produce albums that bludgeon the listener with a look-at-me-brand of rock that seems more about style than substance.
But fortunately, in a sea of Creeds and Incubuses (or is that Incubi?) there is the occasional unexpected gem - an honest, earnest record fueled by a desire to make good music and not the misguided visions of rock stardom.
Augusta band Deviltown has made just such a record.
The nine tracks on the album, titled Outside Looking In, are a scrapbook of an emotional world-weariness that eventually gives away to a sense of guarded optimism. Songs such as the aching Pretty Barrel and the country-tinged The Place to Be resonate with a kind of resignation tempered by the acceptance that comes with life experience. It's an interesting hat trick that many bands have attempted, but only a few - Afghan Whigs and Flaming Lips spring to mind - manage to pull off. Coupled with the band's sound, which hovers somewhere at the crossroads of heavy riff rock, power pop and chiming folk, it's an arresting accomplishment.
Recorded at drummer Steve Howard's house, Outside Looking In might have easily been yet another entry in the lo-fi derby. Make no mistake, however, this is not the scratchy do-it-yourself effort you might expect. Pristine mixes and carefully considered arrangements add sheen to the band's Spartan pop hooks without distracting from them.
Deviltown's only missteps seem to be sins of omission. This is a band that can boast a true command of slide guitar and vocal harmonies, musical elements that can often be difficult to harness. Sadly, they are not incorporated nearly enough in the band's music.
While each song still stands on its own merits, the mouth waters at the thought of some additional tasty guitar or soaring vocals. And perhaps that's an unfair assessment, the musical equivalent of a kid who wants both ice cream and pie for dessert.
This band's real strength seems to be its ability to edit itself. There is none of the flexing of musical muscle and showboating that mar so many recordings. Instead, Deviltown seems to have recorded Outside Looking In with the Neil Young credo of ''Don't play six notes when one will do'' in mind.
The end result? An accessible, entertaining and artful record that, like so many great rock albums that have come before, deserves to be played loud and proud.
On stage
What: Deviltown, with Ghost Script
When: 10 tonight
Where: Woodstock Rock Bar
Online extra
Deviltown - Outside Looking In You can hear Deviltown's Dazed With Memories by click on the link above. You also can hear a snippet of the song by calling INFOLINE at 442-4444, then dialing 8101.
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