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Pagoda - Pagoda

Rating

RIYL

Nirvana
Local H
Bobcat Goldthwait

Tracklist

1. Lesson Learned
2. Amego
3. Fetus
4. Voices
5. Birth to Death
6. Botus
7. Sadartha
8. Alone
9. Fear Cloud
10. I Do

Pagoda frontman, Michael Pitt, would be best recognized for his acting parts in the movie with emphasis on Gus Van Zant’s ode to Kurt Cobain, Last Days. Having starred in the role so closely tied to Cobain, you’d imagine he would attempt to somewhat distance himself from any possible comparisons on his debut album. He does quite the opposite with results being somewhat mixed.

Any music fan who still holds a soft spot in their heart for the Seattle sound of the early 90’s would likely be thrilled with the potential exhibited by some of the songs on the album. Pitt captures the essence of Cobain’s vocal & guitar work with unnerving accuracy at times, but far too much of the album feels like a tribute rather than an influenced work. Certain songs, “Alone” for example, steal the basic sound and vibe of his mentor’s works; it sounds a bit too much like “Something in the Way”.

While the band does a good imitation of Nirvana, they lack the conviction. Kurt Cobain’s vocals were equally as abrasive, crude, and off-tune at times, but they always felt genuine. Pitt’s vocals tend to sound more of mimicry and don’t have the heart to balance them out or make them more listenable. Some of his vocal parts are almost unbearable or just overly annoying (“Amego”). There is also a feeling of forced “intimacy” throughout Pagoda that is even attempted multiple times by the old “recording candid studio moments and leaving them on the disc” trick. Another big thing missing is the pop sensibility. Nirvana made raw music, but it was also quite catchy and had a good hook you could sing or hum along to. I found that to be missing during most of the Pagoda album. While this may feel like more of a Nirvana album review, it is inevitable given the sound and the apparent direction of the band.

On a positive note, the string arrangements on the album really bring the sound up. In fact, the only songs that I would recommend on the album feature the violin. I tip my hat to that portion of the band’s performance. In fact, they are what sometimes save Pitt’s lack of depth and give the song its moodiness. “Lesson Learned”, “Death to Birth” (which was featured in the aforementioned Van Zant movie), “Fetus”, and “Sadartha” would all make a decent EP unto themselves, but that’s about all the album has to offer. Unfortunately, there would still be a lack of deviation in tone/mood to warrant many repeat listens. What’s worse is that the annoyance factor of the rest of the album somewhat kills the appeal of even these selections.

In summation, the disc doesn’t live up to hopes and fails to break out of the boundaries of a tribute. It may appeal to a select few, but the general populace would not find itself falling in love.

--Jeremy Deal