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Album Details

• Artist: Built Like Alaska
• Album: Autumnland
• Label: Future Farmer/Sweat of the Alps
• Year of Release: 2005
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2005-02-08

Built Like Alaska is one of the first signing of Grandaddy's new label, Sweat Of The Alps, in partnership with Future Farmer. And there is no question that they signed BLA because they sound so similar to that of Grandaddy and Grandaddy love themselves. So before going any further in this review, let it be known that if you are a Grandaddy fan you will totally dig Built Like Alaska. If you don't like GD I might still give Built Like Alaska a shot. The band came about in Oakland CA and when the three members started making music it just seemed right. An old friend of Grandaddy's, Lucky Lew helped out on the recording process but it's something that Neil Jackson (Vocals/guitar) is quite comfortable at. These guys have been around for a few years but with the help of Future Farmer they hope to get a little more recognition with this album. They were even invited to contribute a couple tracks to the film "Ellie Parker". The music on Autumnland is very gentle and Neil Jackson's vocals are fairly subdued and relaxed. Pianos are in and out of the mix throughout the album. I can't help but think of Elliott Smith a bit on tracks like "Controlled Climate". Neil's voice is quite a bit more laid back but it does bear some resemblence. There is some really awesome songwriting on Autumnland but I almost think that the comparisons to the above mentioned band will dilute the brilliance here. If you can get over that, Autumnland may be a new favorite for you. Give Built Like Alaska a chance, if you will.

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