Burger and fries to go
'Lunch for the Sky' is New Jersey outfit Socratic's debut album and it it really is something quite different. In its basest form Socratic's music is at the lighter end of melodic punk but there's far more substance to it for them to be pigeonholed in that bracket.
Were they stripped to the bare bones of guitars and drums, many of the songs on this album wouldn't be particularly impressive or leave any lasting impression. However, Socratic add something extra and it normally comes in the shape of piano accompaniment. You wouldn't think it would work but somehow it does, giving them a totally different feel to the average noise band. They also break up many of the songs with musical interludes, veering away from the standard verse, chorus formula.
'Tear A Gash' is an early highlight, featuring a good chorus that is sandwiched between a passionate verse and the already familiar piano backed melody. The following track 'I Don't Wear A Coat' however is weak by comparison with an annoying chorus and an all too light feel about it. The production is excellent throughout, and is no doubt helped by the fact that the band have been together for five years, which has given them plenty of time to hone their sound and know exactly what they wanted to get when they went into the studio.
Midway through 'Lunch for the Sky' it becomes apparent that the lighter songs are outweighing the harder-edged efforts. This is disappointing as the album promised more than it delivers in its early stages. 'She's The Type Of Girl' is rather whymsical and forgettable and although 'I Am The Doctor' adds variety with some good use of minor chords and quirkier vocals it's all becoming a bit too one paced. 'U and Left Turns' is almost the final straw, quite awful, it could probably be sung by any average R'n'B band dressed in white suits, whilst the previously interesting piano has become irritating and clichéd.
It's been a long trek to the fourteenth and final song 'Spending Galore', and whilst it showed early promise everything all tapered out rather quickly. Clearly a talented band, but they could do so much more if they moved into heavier territory. As it is, they are something of a one trick pony. 'Spending Galore', is a nice enough tune with some interesting elements to it, but it comes too late to save the record from being filed away in the 'forgotten' pile.