It Goes On

Straylight Run co-vocalist/pianist Michelle DaRosa (ne Nolan) likely sent a shock to fans' system when she abruptly announced her departure from the band in June 2008 to work on a solo record. The resulting effort, It Goes On, is a more polished and full-band effort than one might imagine from DaRosa–and as she and her bandmates share the credit under the Destry moniker, that's probably to be expected. But what's less expected is the unfortunately dull and sleepy arrangements that largely comprise an economical (32 minutes), humdrum affair. 



DaRosa's voice remains as pretty and smooth as it's ever sounded in a vaguely twangy, Southern-blues context oddly similar to Rilo Kiley's Jenny Lewis. But she doesn't always seem to utilize it to its full effect, and the lethargic compositions backing her never bustle or scowl enough to provide any noticeable contrast or complementation. The waltz in "Big Mouths" bears tired footing and the saloon-tinged "So Far Away" doesn't emphasize its atmosphere enough to make for a thematically rewarding effect, while the title track is a fatigued folk ballad better done by Grand Archives. 



It Goes On, while certainly listenable, lacks certain qualities that make the band's possible peers shine. Whether that be Eisley's emotional resonance or Murder By Death's haunting theatricality, there's little DaRosa & Co. manage to offer that might impact listeners in any real, exigent manner.

Paper + Plastick http://www.paperandplastick.com