The first time I heard of Bright Eyes, it was in the classically derisive phrase, “Let’s go listen to Bright Eyes and cry.” The first time I actually heard Bright Eyes, it seemed to be stereotypical coming–of–age, self–understanding stuff packaged into an alt–rock/folktastic/possibly corporate indie outfit. While I’m still unsure about the corporate indie feel, Bright Eyes has released something mildly fascinating with The People’s Key.
The band’s latest starts out in an orthodox–unorthodox manner, using speech clips (as is currently trendy). What makes Key slightly more unique is the opening’s subject, which sets the tone for the near–hour to come. As “Firewall” starts up, a middle–aged Texas folk singer begins ranting about Tesla, reptiles and Sumeria — perhaps the eponymous key to the people.
What follows is an album that slowly forms, somewhat struggling with shape at times. Frontman Conor Oberst’s melodies exist in a very structured manner, held together by generic drums and an enjoyable rhythm guitar. Of course, there are a few songs geared towards single release (“Shell Games,” “Jejune Stars” and “Triple Spiral”), each of which breaks up the flow with excessive rock or pop. However, once Bright Eyes move past their jarring, rather pandering songs, Key develops more charm and complexity.
Oberst reaches his highest point on songs such as “Ladder Song” and “Beginner’s Mind,” both of which feature not only beautiful, meaningful lyrics, but also excellent, near–haunting instrumentals. Truly these are the marks of an experienced songwriter, especially the stunning piano in “Ladder Song,” which adds a uniquely pained character.
Yet something nags at me throughout the album. Perhaps it’s the slight melodrama associated with Key, or maybe the loose concepts it addresses, but something is amiss. It’s just that this has been done before. While Bright Eyes performs well, sometimes astoundingly so, much of The People’s Key is blandly reminiscent of prior indie albums, resulting in a sort of homage that doesn’t quite work, though is occasionally lyrically self–aware. Just like love, pain and sunshine, Bright Eyes can be so cliché.
Bright Eyes The People's Key Sounds Like: Artists from all over, from the Black Keys to U2 99–Cent Download: “Haile Selassie" Good For: Jaded cynicism and allusive analysis 3.5/5 Stars
