On a cool, damp evening, Blue Cartoon founders and mainstays Jeff Tracy (guitar/vocals), Lee Elliott (bass/vocals) and David Loren (vocals/keys) enter a downtown studio to run through a few tunes with power pop veterans Terry Carolan (guitar/keys/vocals) and Mike Reynolds (drums). The circumstances that have brought everyone together are uncanny and there’s a sensation of ‘too good to be true’ that is muted by the relaxed vibe of the room. It looks good on paper, but how is it really going to sound? Minutes into the rehearsal it’s clear that everything is clicking and the Blue Cartoon story has taken another interesting turn…
It’s been four years since the band’s last release, “September Songs”, which found Blue Cartoon exploring the folkier side of their musical vocabulary. In the ensuing years Jeff has released two solo albums, while Lee and David, recording as The Spandrels, have been exploring psych-folk territories. But for now, the acoustic guitars and bongos have been set set aside and it’s clear that the direction ahead for Blue Cartoon is decidedly electric. The Blue Cartoon sound is inspired and drawn from the ‘golden timeline’ of rock (arguably 1966-1973). For the past 13 years, the band has deftly transmuted the inventiveness of this era into four albums that are brimming with top-notch songwriting, and a sound that is as timeless and inviting as its iconic inspirations.
Bands are like chemistry sets. As members change, the music evolves and the recent inclusion of Terry and Mike to Blue Cartoon has already stirred the pot. A peek into the laboratory reveals that the band has a deep pool of songs to draw from and an appetite for further sonic exploration. A new album is promised for 2010 as well as a kick-ass live sound. Blue Cartoon is back. |
