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This DC group's first album using the name Roofwalkers (they previously recorded as Pagoda) doesn't use the usual rock'n'roll tricks to get your attention. This isn't a band that get's you jumping out of your seat to rock out to their huge riffs, big beats, quotable lyrics and cocky swagger. In fact, on first listen you might find them a little too subdued and easy to ignore to enjoy. It's only after a few listens that you start to absorb, and ultimately appreciate, Roofwalkers for their strengths, which are the tight interplay of the rhythm section, the atmospheric guitar lines and their ability to keep a consistently spooky mood throughout the course of ten songs. The album works well as a unified piece but some of the songs that stand out are "Chin Music" which features some cool vibraphones by TJ Lipple, "They Think They Own The Place" and "Birds Of A Feather". If you like quietly atmospheric indie bands like Wheat, Galaxie 500 and the more reflective side of Yo La Tengo, then the Roofwalkers just might be the band for you.
DAVID MANSDORF
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