[4/5] Since the 2003 arrival of multi-instrumentalist T.J. Lipple (keyboards, marimba, drums), Aloha have been growing less jazz-tinged and more traditionally rock-focused. On Some Echoes, which finds the multi-state East Coast quartet dabbling in everything from indie pop to classic minimalism to progressive rock, they also seem to be getting better at distilling their myriad of influences into dreamy, quietly elusive four-minute pop songs. As a telecommuting three-keyboard unit, they're still missing something--some might call it a spine--but when they do come off strongly, as in Echoes' "Your Eyes" and "Come Home," Aloha achieve neo-pop perfection, with aching vocals, shimmering arrangements, and improbably beautiful love songs about, um... staples and tape?
(POLYVINYL) Kenny Berkowitz
 Official Website: http://www.polyvinylrecords.com
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