Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos- The Dust of Retreat

Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos- The Dust of Retreat
Released: sometime this year
Label: Artemis Records
Home: Indianapolis, IN
Rating: 7.4 out of 10


Like almost everyone else it seems that's in their early 20s, I happen to enjoy what is commonly referred to as "indie rock". "What exactly is indie rock" you might ask? Well, indie rock has always been the fringe group of alternative rock that hangs on melody, solid writing, and interesting orchestration. Some recent examples might be The Shins, The Thrills, The Decemberists, and tons of other "The Something or others...". In 2004, Richard Edwards played some of his songs to a new friend named Andy Fry. Andy liked the songs so they moved in together, recruited a whole slew a folks and recorded what just might be one of the best indie rock offerings of 2006.

Lyrically, Edwards' matter-of-fact melancholy is, at its best, refreshing and depressing all in one shot, and at its worst it is just plain ole unessential. The best tracks on here are where Edwards takes his off-beat observance of the twenty-something life and weaves in narratives on love and betrayal and masking the pain. The opening track is a gem with Edwards breathy vocals backed by the layers of their 8+ person band. "Barfight Revolution, Power Violence" is another great song peeking through wonderful fuzz-pop. And the song "Dress Me Like A Clown" brings those melancholy musings on love and how it changes us.

Edwards is, of course, far from perfect, especially when he gets caught up in far-stretched metaphors and ridiculous choruses that contain the single word "meow" like in "Paper Kitten Nightmare".

All in all, MNSSs have crafted a really great indie rock album that is great in its mood execution and musicality. Great melodies and understated harmonies steer this album and new band into validity.