4 Stars



Boston’s top Indie band has a lot to prove in today’s world. Most bands have to progress in order to get past the “one hit wonder” stage. Even though Piebald has been around for over 10 years, they didn’t break into the mainstream until they released “We Are the Only Friends We Have” in 2002. MTV played “American Hearts” once in a while, but it was nothing too significant. Piebald earned the reputation of being a happy go lucky Indie band. Their music was very upbeat and happy with a goofy side as well.
Most bands tend to mature and progress from album to album (some more than others). Piebald seemed to stay in a general area with their music from album to album. They had progression, but it wasn’t as dramatic as (for example) Coheed and Cambria from “In Keeping Secrets…” to “Good Apollo”. This album however seems to show the most progression Piebald has made.
The progression is shown very well in the album. In “Accidental Gentlemen” Piebald uses an old indie rock sound that leaves fans of the mid 90’s indie/emo wave nostalgic. The band has also become more adapt at becoming more musical. Piebald has also brought in some old rock feel; the same rock feel that inspired bands like Jet, and The Hives. Combining two incredible genres can only lead on. “Strangers” combines both the indie sound found in bands like
Piebald keeps their happy go lucky lyrics and style, but it has strangely become more mature. They keep that sound found in songs like “Grace Kelly with Wings” and “Rules for Mules”, but they add that sophisticated rock sound to it. The combo goes well with the previously mentioned “indie rock/bop rock” combo.
Piebald brings a lot of influence to their new album. Many of the songs are catchy. It’s and album that fans of many different types of music can enjoy.


-Brian Campbell