As the first song on the latest Montgomery Cliffs album lurches out of the starting gate, I catch myself pulling a music-critic faux pas. I'm convinced that the entire disc is going to be classic rock inspired, melodious pop -- and I'm definitely not in the mood for it. I’m not exactly sure how I come to this terribly wrong judgment or why I’ve decided to pick on the innocent Cliffs, but I’m determined to check out something else and give ‘em the axe.
Man, was I wrong. Way wrong. It just goes to show that you really have to pay attention to some music in order to fully understand its greatness. A few more listens to the opening track, "Ride", reveal something much more powerful than my ill-diagnosed classic rock label. These New Yorkers take Elvis Costello, spice him up with a tinge of The 'Mats and add their own bit of daring, chorus-friendly harmonies -- and the results are as catchy as a pathogen-born virus. At the core of most tracks is the unique, slightly snotty and tenaciously determined voice of Joey Salvia, who can whip out some viciously delightful melodies. Unbeknownst to me, I’m already chronically infected!
Things get even better with tracks like "Only" and "Bad Karma" -- perfect, easy-going numbers that are upbeat, exciting and ultimately charming bits of blissful pop. The Cliffs even pay homage to the ultimate no-waver on "Gary Numan," proving that these guys have done their homework and can press tongue-in-cheek blips right alongside swell pop culture references while riff-heavy guitar blazes a steady path.
A few days and many, many more listens to this self-titled CD later, I can verify that The Cliffs are something more than a one-listen wonder. The dual honed voices of Salvia and Kurz are frightfully powerful, weaving vocal melodies into your memory and making you an imaginary third singer in the band as the CD plays in the background. It’s almost like being unconsciously indoctrinated by two musical hypnotists who coyly ensnare you into their private realm of charming harmonies and snaky choruses.
I apologize profusely to The Cliffs and all their fans for my hasty judgment. I had obviously lost my mind. This isn't some simplistic run-around attempt at creating self-servicing music for musicians only. Our trio proves that it has the knack for writing mesmeric tunes that can captivate after just a quick listen. I’ve learned my lesson that there’s plenty more to a band’s music than what meets the eye, so relax, sit back and take some time out. You may just come across your next new favorite.
