Crystal Skulls
Outgoing Behavior
Suicide Squeeze

Following in the footsteps of what Herb Alpert did for the ‘60s, and Steely Dan for the ‘70s, Crystal Skulls are making easy listening music for hipsters, squares, and their parents alike. This Seattle band’s sound is not unlike the loungy nu-jazz of The Sea and Cake, crossed with the guitar focused melodies of The Zombies. Toss in some inoffensive lyrics about love and nostalgia, reminiscent of something Bobby Darin might sing, and you’re on the right track.

They never stray far from ‘70s AM pop but Crystal Skulls are able to address a number of styles and influences within their eleven-song set. The title track opens the album, highlighted by the jazzy backbeat of their rhythm section. Bassist Yuuki Matthews and drummer Casey Foubert lead the track, which sounds remarkably similar to The Sea and Cake. The twangy guitars on “Baby Boy” and “Just Like You Want” briefly give the band a countrified edge. “The Cosmic Door” and “Treat It Well” sound like The Strokes raised on Boz Scaggs, rather than New York art-rock. The soft-rock of “Hey, It’s Easy” steals the melody of the 1969 hit “Traces” by the Classics IV, and somehow becomes one of Outgoing Behavior’s best songs.

The strength of the album lies clearly in the instrumentation. The highlight is “Brigantime Castles,” a tune where moody organs, punchy drums, breathy vocals, thick bass, and bluesy guitar are all given a brief opportunity to take center stage. It’s a nostalgia clad, summertime tune looking back at trips to the Boardwalk.

The main weakness of the album is Christian Wargo’s (ex-Pedro the Lion, Danielson Famille) lyrics. His pedestrian songwriting doesn’t challenge the listener to feel emotion on any level. “The Hold Up” contains some of the lyrical lowlights (sample lyric: Looking like I just might/finally get my way tonight/You and I dim the lights/ and move to the music). The dance-funk song sounds like !!! as covered by Steely Dan, making for a truly indigestible three minutes. Take that track out and the band has a more cohesive album.

This album works best as fondue party music for the cardigan sporting crowd or indie-pop for middle aged folks. If I were still in college, this would qualify as ‘study music’ (Alpert, Tortoise, and Calexico also fit into this category). While indie-lounge isn’t a sub-genre I’ve ever considered, Crystal Skulls’ would fit the profile with their safe, Anglo-pop, background music.

MP3
Baby Boy
The Cosmic Door

Websites
Crystal Skulls website