A three-piece band from northern California releases its first album on the Undetected Plagiarism label. Ten songs tackle paranoia, loneliness, longing, and the inability to express oneself. Said band has created a Saddle Creek-style masterpiece and cites Bright Eyes, Cursive, and The Good Life as its major influences. The question: Is the irony concerning their record label’s name intentional? The response: Who cares?
Listening to Grand Unified Theory’s self-titled release may evoke visions of Connor Oberst dancing in your head. Some songs may be so Saddle Creek-sounding that you won’t know why the group bothers. Doesn’t the local record store have enough options in the “I’m-uber-depressed-and-taking-myself-way-too-seriously” section? Normally, I might say yes, but the case of Grand Unified Theory is another matter. What this band lacks in originality, it makes up for by way of desperate beauty, drama, and dark emotion. From the very first track, Grand Unified Theory lay out their plan: wavering vocals, simple guitars, and a powerful rhythm section when appropriate. Although lyrics are focused mostly on the sadder side of things, aching beauty and modernity shine trough. “That Beautiful Parade Down Market Street” and “Remarks Made during the Final Interview” are spectacular examples of what Grand Unified Theory does best: they haunt the listener. So, if you’re a fan of the Omaha indie sound, check this debut album out. Grand Unified Theory may be recreating some of what has already been done by the Saddle Creek set, but they do it so beautifully that it’s no crime.
- Kevin Miller
Left Off The Dial
December 15, 2003