lambchops's Full Review: For The Posers by NYC Smoke
A poser he’s not.
Howie Statland sets the record straight and drops all former pretenses with his most recent musical venture. NYCSmoke comes after years of working in the industry and after the breakup of his former pop-rock band Thin Lizard Dawn and experimental lo-fi side project Low Flame (which subsequently attracted the attention of composer Philip Glass).
What sets the New York-based Statland apart from the rock crowd is that he isn’t held back by the usual constraints imposed by the music industry. He unabashedly combines straightforward rock n’ roll with melodic pop and then tosses in a great deal of anger and disenchantment without managing to come off as even slightly trite. For the Posers is the best kind of album—the kind that entertains at the same time as it makes you think and feel.
Statland’s effort should not go unnoticed—he clearly has something to say and fortunately possesses the talent to say it properly without alienating listeners. And as post people recognize regardless of how great an album is, it does no good if people can’t understand or appreciate it. For the Posers is clearly dark on the surface with discussions socially pertinent topics; Statland rages about the darkness of NYC streets and deals with emotions including (but not limited to) hurt, fear, and living through adversity.
Funny thing is that For the Posers isn’t depressing. In fact, Statland’s songs are on the whole rather upbeat and in contradiction to the words he uses. This dichotomy is what will make the album all the more appealing to a wider array of listeners. On one hand he is hurt and angry, but on another he sets his rants to deliciously decadent pop-rock—the kind of chipper pop-rock that cropped up following the fall of the Seattle empire. But instead of sticking to fluff topics, Statland embraces his inner pain. It all works together so well that it is difficult to find fault in the disc.
For the Posers is wonderful from start to finish. Although, it begins on a strange note with the atypically rocking Balance. It is a loud and rough opening that is of the same ilk as the current “garage rock” movement. With a kinetic beat and wild guitars, Statland’s voice takes on a punk quality that isn’t necessarily found throughout the rest of the album. It is here that comparisons can easily be made to the likes of Kurt Cobain (for the raspy, but alluring tonality) not to mention a dash of both Paul Westerberg and Lou Reed. Indeed, these three influences add up to an overall very impressive album.
As the songs continue, it because imminently obvious that Statland is innately talented. His voice is rich and warm and has the ability to write an infectious pop-rock hooks and melodies. For the Posers does something that only excellent albums manage—it actually improves as it progresses. Lies is a gorgeously performed and written, yet genuinely thought provoking song. Statland digs deep into his inner Axl Rose and pairs this incarnation with an acoustic guitar and overall sparse instrumentation.
The Letter is a beautiful song with a wonderfully quirky mid-tempo melody. It is hard not to draw allusions to The Wallflowers, but the fact is that Statland is something more than mere Dylan offspring. He has a guttural growl that lends itself well to music and song. Wine & Roses continues in the same vein—a sheer, attitude-ridden kind of music that is nothing short of brilliant. It is hard not to sing also to Statland’s pointed vocals.
The Fallout, Euthanasia, Bigger and Pick & Choose are also very easy on the ears. But with that said, I don’t want people to skip around to a few songs. This is a completely entertaining, absolutely pleasing album on the whole. From start to finish of the eleven songs, I’m completely impressed. It may not be to the taste of people more accustomed to themes as provocative as kittens and teenage love, but it is definitely a great alternative to the generic crap that gets played on the radio today.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Track Listing:
01. Balance
02. Harbor
03. Lies
04. The Letter
05. Wine & Roses
06. The Fallout
07. Euthanasia
08. Bigger
09. Halo Man
10. Lullabye
11. Pick & Choose
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