Contrary to recent mythology, it is not perpetually winter in Eau Claire. The Wisconsin city achieved fame and notoriety due to the musings of a certain troubadour seeking solace there during the harsher months of the year, but as much as the city does indeed experience all four seasons, folk is not the only music being created in the Chippewa Valley.
Combating the notion that Eau Claire is solely populated by flannel cloaked folkies, Laarks constructs smart, fun, danceable pop-rock. The group was founded in 2006 by Ian Jacoby and Brian Moen after the dissolution of their former bands Sic Transit Gloria and Amateur Love, respectively. Eventually guitarist Kyle Flater and bassist Zach Hanson were added to the mix. Together the four craft light-hearted and energetic music lead by Jacoby’s layers of keyboards and bolstered by Moen’s spirited drumming.
The band’s debut album, An Exaltation of Laarks, re-released this week by Absolutely Kosher, is a sunny collection of pop gems reminiscent of Mute Math and Death Cab for Cutie. It’s nearly impossible not to bob your head to the frantic, frazzled energy of “The S Stood for Science” or be swept up in the momentum of “All the Words You Can’t Say Right.” By contrast, “Where Do You Wanna Live?” is a simple and refreshingly upbeat ballad that is sweet without being sickly sentimental.
As Eau Claire prepares to hibernate for yet another bleak winter, let Laarks keep your ears and hearts warm with remnants of summer.
seen this? (more Moen)
http://peterwolfcrier.com/