Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

I was pleasantly surprised when I heard Peter Bloom Band's album Random Thoughts (from a paralyzed mind).  They have created some very pretty and passionate music.  The melodies on Random Thoughts are expertly written and help drive the listener along with each song.  As if that weren't enough, Bloom's voice soars above the notes.  This pairing of strong repeated melodies and a sweet voice reminds me of Keane.  The tracks are little bit alternative, a little bit rock, but ultimately very sweet.

The first track, Let it Go, is one of my favorites.  This song has a beautiful build and crescendos nicely at the end with full orchestration.  Peter Bloom is incredibly convincing with his plea to have this person "Let it Go".  Did I mention he's got a voice?  He sounds so sincere -- I really cannot stress that part enough.  This guy can sound salty and sweet all in one bar.

My other favorites are Careful and Please.  The song Careful will quickly creep into your head and you'll find yourself sing "Be careful my love!" It's a very catchy song.  In Please it's the chorus that caught my ear and held my attention.  The way he sings the word "Please" in the chorus is sort of hauntingly choral.  It's different but it really works with the emotion of the word as sung and the soundscape beneath it.

Random Thoughts is an album that you can't help singing along to.  Even though the melodies and lyrics are emotionally charged, the whole package will a spring in your step.  While my own musicial taste generally tends toward the heavier rock stylings, I liked this album.  If you like bands like Coldplay and Keane, Peter Bloom Band is surely for you.