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A Decade in X-Rays
Instead of releasing its second album with some big party where it’s the center of attention, A Crowd of Small Adventures has decided to officially christen it with Neon Reverb’s Sept. 19 showcase at the Beauty Bar where the band isn’t even a headliner. Probably just as well — the local quartet has been playing most of these songs for the better part of a year, and the festival’s closing event is expected to be packed. These songs may also represent the most jubilant tunes of the night. The almost wholly upbeat A Decade in X-Rays is nothing less than delightful. And if you can tear yourself away from the joyful thrust of each number, you’ll notice savory subtleties. Closer “Fast Travel” is full of them, from bassist Ronald Corso and drummer Mike Weller’s well-calibrated rhythm to the ascent-enabling song structure. Nearly everything seems to set the stage for vocalist Jackson Wilcox, who expands his range while deploying that Spencer Krug-esque yelp to charming effect. He harmonizes with himself to great effect on live favorite “Bang Bang,” its chorus — highlighted also by Megan Wingerter’s violin — just one of the many rousing moments of this celebratory work. MIKE PREVATT (LV City Life)
Don't let the skull-crusted cover art or the "evil" appellation scare you off—this is no dark, heavy affair. The brainchild of Vegas singer-songwriter Jack Wilcox is bright and literate, borrowing bits and pieces from the current wave of indie faves—the pep of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah ("The Summer"), the urgency of Wolf Parade ("Bang, Bang"), the weight of the Arcade Fire ("The Black Cave")—and on one glorious number, "The Hungry Dead," blending those influences into one of the year's most unforgettable local anthems. Despite logging just 28 minutes, The Evil Archipelago feels undeniably epic, portending a future more in line with the rosy elements of its accompanying artwork. -Spencer Patterson (Las Vegas Weekly)
Another great and eclectic-sounding Vegas band screaming to be picked up by a label like, say, Merge. In spite of emo's increasingly popularity, singer/songwriter Jackson Wilcox steers his own unusual course toward song construction, and his eight-song effort in 2007 was a highlight. A song like "The Hungry Dead" is impossible to describe accurately; think dance-rock drums, spiky guitars, and (somehow) gorgeous piano and synth lines. Musically sophisticated yet very warm in its approach, The Evil Archipelago is evidence enough Wilcox is an exciting and serious talent. -Jarret Keene (Las Vegas City Life)
Instead of releasing its second album with some big party where it’s the center of attention, A Crowd of Small Adventures has decided to officially christen it with Neon Reverb’s Sept. 19 showcase at the Beauty Bar where the band isn’t even a headliner. Probably just as well — the local quartet has been playing most of these songs for the better part of a year, and the festival’s closing event is expected to be packed. These songs may also represent the most jubilant tunes of the night. The almost wholly upbeat A Decade in X-Rays is nothing less than delightful. And if you can tear yourself away from the joyful thrust of each number, you’ll notice savory subtleties. Closer “Fast Travel” is full of them, from bassist Ronald Corso and drummer Mike Weller’s well-calibrated rhythm to the ascent-enabling song structure. Nearly everything seems to set the stage for vocalist Jackson Wilcox, who expands his range while deploying that Spencer Krug-esque yelp to charming effect. He harmonizes with himself to great effect on live favorite “Bang Bang,” its chorus — highlighted also by Megan Wingerter’s violin — just one of the many rousing moments of this celebratory work. MIKE PREVATT (LV City Life)
Don't let the skull-crusted cover art or the "evil" appellation scare you off—this is no dark, heavy affair. The brainchild of Vegas singer-songwriter Jack Wilcox is bright and literate, borrowing bits and pieces from the current wave of indie faves—the pep of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah ("The Summer"), the urgency of Wolf Parade ("Bang, Bang"), the weight of the Arcade Fire ("The Black Cave")—and on one glorious number, "The Hungry Dead," blending those influences into one of the year's most unforgettable local anthems. Despite logging just 28 minutes, The Evil Archipelago feels undeniably epic, portending a future more in line with the rosy elements of its accompanying artwork. -Spencer Patterson (Las Vegas Weekly)
Another great and eclectic-sounding Vegas band screaming to be picked up by a label like, say, Merge. In spite of emo's increasingly popularity, singer/songwriter Jackson Wilcox steers his own unusual course toward song construction, and his eight-song effort in 2007 was a highlight. A song like "The Hungry Dead" is impossible to describe accurately; think dance-rock drums, spiky guitars, and (somehow) gorgeous piano and synth lines. Musically sophisticated yet very warm in its approach, The Evil Archipelago is evidence enough Wilcox is an exciting and serious talent. -Jarret Keene (Las Vegas City Life)