THE APPLESEED CAST
Low Level Owl: Volume 2 (Deep Elm)
Reviewed by Jason Thornberry

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Fortunately for them, Appleseed Cast (from Lawrence, Kansas) seem a bit intelligent, and lacking in pretension, to remain trapped within their Emo beginnings for very long. I can't speak for any of their prior offerings, but this, their fourth contribution (counting the first volume of Low Level Owl) is awash in some of the isms of Emo (plucky, clean guitar lines building into a distortion-pedal freak out, and moments of sensitive-guy vocals), but the production is 3-D and Big Budget enough to make you almost think you accidentally purchased the new Barenaked Ladies.

As some of their peers peter out, and veer off in new directions hoping to find something that sticks, Appleseed Cast already have it. Which, unfortunately, means they'll be shiny replicas before long. You could certainly do quite a bit worse than have this group inspiring you.

© 2001 - Jason Thornberry