Annuals - Such Fun
Rating
RIYL
Animal CollectiveCloud Cult
Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s
Release Date
10/07/2008
Label
Canvasback RecordingsTracklist
1. Confessor2. Hot Night Hounds
3. Springtime
4. Down The Mountain
5. Always Do
6. Talking
7. Hardwood Floor
8. Hair Don't Grow
9. The Tape
10. Blue Ridge
11. Wake
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Annuals are one of those bands that fly just below the radar. They generally make fans of anyone who hears them, but for some reason they haven’t quite hit it big. The reasoning behind this is debatable, and the issue becomes even more difficult to resolve when you consider the fact that Bob Ross’s art graces the cover of their latest release. If that doesn’t ignite a band into supernova status, then what would?
Such Fun, the latest and second full-length release by Annuals, was the obvious progression to be made by a band of their nature. The orchestrations are more intricate, the songwriting more refined, and there’s just a bit more of a sense of togetherness. The spastic, jumpy vibe on their debut full-length, Be He Me, garnered them a lot of buzz and even a comparison to Animal Collective, but it’s clear that they’ve matured in hopes of creating a more serious, but still fun, release.
The opening track, "Confessor," is one of their quieter and simple songs, but the warm melody and charming lyrics construct a feeling that few bands could successfully manage. Right afterwards, the album jumps to "Hot Night Hounds": a catchy, upbeat piano tune that shows Annuals, and specifically singer Adam Baker, at their very best. From there on, Such Fun visits a plethora of song structures and genres while still somehow remaining cohesive.
The songs differ greatly in tone but carry a potent level of intricacy that never deludes the choruses or catchiness. Annuals have dropped a lot of the experimentation of Be He Me in exchange for a more confident sound, and they’ve done it in a way that not once compromises just how fun of a band they are to listen to.
Annuals have released an album that is not only a logical progression, but also an album with a plethora of catchy tunes oozing with competence in songwriting. Everything about it screams growth but in a lighthearted and charming way. It’s not surprising that lead singer Adam Baker runs a school on musical theory, because his ability to craft songs of just about every flavor is on display in full color here.
--Dant Rambo
Comments
Coopersburg, PA
I saw these dudes with minus the bear a few months ago, they were really awesome live but I never heard their recorded stuff. I'll have to check out this release.
Just saw them two days ago, amazing live show. Such Fun was my number 1 album of 08'
Fort Bragg, CA
Excellent choice! Had I known about it sooner it certainly would have made my list.
Markham, ON
Going to see them Saturday, pretty excited.
P.S. This is what the alphabet would look like if you removed Q and R.
Edmonton, AB
This album had 4-5 really awesome songs(all the upbeat ones) and then a bunch of slowersongs that just didn't work for me. I think ifthey stuck to what they do best, this album would have been incredible.
Coopersburg, PA
That's how their live show was. The upbeat songs killed but you could tell everyone was losing interest during the slow jams.
Boston, MA
I liked this one a lot better than Be He Me. "Hair Don't Grow" is absolutely great. An underrated band for sure.
Stereo Typing
Tweet at me, bro
Jersey / Raleigh
cover art courtesy of Bob Ross