TonyDoug's CD Review

by tonydoug wright

Lonely the Seabird, From the Top of the Stairs (Peach Pit 2006)

The Band: John Barney, Mike Fair, Gary Kertis, Kevin Traylor, and Chris Wales

The History: The band formed in Cincinnati, OH in 2005. From The Top Of The Stairs is their debut album.

The Review: It would be interesting to see what band names were rejected when the boys from the Nasty (aka Cincinnati) chose Lonely The Seabird. Let’s be honest, it is an unusual choice and there is the possibility for some name mangling. “Hey, did you guys check out Horny The Seagull?” The again, who are we to judge?

Lonely The Seabird’s From The Top Of The Stairs can best be described as an indie rock compilation album from the mid-1990s. Due to the fact that this band has not assigned anyone the title of lead singer, it has created a community where various influences are brought together and the end result is a successful debut. ‘Jackson Browne’, the album’s opening track, just might be a lost gem from Guided by Voices' Vampire on Titus. From there Lonely The Seabird goes into a rotation of sorts with lo-fi acoustic ballads, alternative country rockers, and a few good ol’ fashioned noisy indie tunes. From The Top Of The Stairs is another great album for Cincinnati rock and roll.

Website: www.lonelytheseabird.net