DOWNLOAD THEN SEE: Détective

By Tankboy in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 20, 2013 7:00PM

Photo by Mike Postalakis

Détective sounds like a mid-'90s indie rock band with an ear for melody and this makes absolute sense when you consider James Greer is at the heart of the band's sound. Greer was editor of Spin in the early '90s, played bass with Guided By Voices during their Alien Lanes era, and he was at one time engaged to Kim Deal of the Breeders. Guylaine Vivarat counterbalances Greer in this current project, playing bass and putting her plaintive melancholic vocals on roughly half the album. Chris Dunn rounds out the group with solid drumming that pushes along the uncomplicated compositions with a skillful if understated precision.

There's nothing overly remarkable about the band's sound, which is maybe remarkable in itself. Instead of trying to layer on various motifs that might overcomplicate this trio of pros knows that a certain musical economy suits their skills perfectly. One listen to the lead track, "Man Near The Surface of the Earth," from their their new album However Strange and we think you'll agree with us 100 percent.

MP3: Détective "Man Near The Surface Of The Earth"

Détective plays April 1 at The Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western, 9:30 p.m., FREE, 21+