Anton Barbeau sounds a little like early-'70s
David Bowie going power pop on
King of Missouri, with Nick Saloman of
Bevis Frond, as the liner notes say, supplying "many guitars, keyboards, beautiful blur." It's not the most organic combination, but it works OK. It could have been better, for various reasons. Although
Barbeau's voice is
Bowie-esque, it's shaky and a little mousy. It's also hard to imagine
Bowie writing something titled "I'm Always Offending My Sensitive Friends." Beyond the
Bowie comparisons (or the ones he invites to
John Lennon, as when the vocals ascend into a high register on "Retabulation"), there's a bit of a wordy and griping quality to some of the lyrics. He sometimes reminds you of that pushy wise-ass who doesn't know when to shut up before putting his foot in his mouth. Some of the people and situations that rub him the wrong way might merit criticism, but he's not the most likable fella either, particularly when he's singing "I Don't Like You." Still, the melodies are reasonably catchy and the arrangements confident, for those who like to hear echoes of the better aspects of early-'70s-style pop/rock 30 years down the line. ~ Richie Unterberger