Review: Statistics

Statistics
“Leave Your Name”
(Jade Tree)

Denver Dalley is doing more by himself than most bands do with multiple people. Dalley is the soul member of Statistics, but no one would ever guess when “Leave Your Name” comes out of
the speakers. A lush sound envelops the listener as soon as Dalley’s debut LP begins. Hailing from Omaha (a town ripe with DIY musical talents like Criteria, Bright Eyes, The Faint) this project is the first major release for Dalley since Desaparecidos. But fans of Desa won’t be disappointed with Statistics. Dalley has kept the rock riffs intact, but added an electronic-synth center that throws the sound into a new wave meeting between Deftones, Dntel, Death Cab, and Desaparecidos.

Dalley drops heavy hook-laden rock on the album’s “Reminisce” and then backs off for his silky croon to float over Blair Shehan inspired guitar lines. On the heels of “Reminisce”, Dalley slows almost to a stop with “Circular Memories”, the album’s closer. “Circular Memories” would be at home with Modest Mouse, Denali or Pedro the Lion, but Dalley’s understated synth drums make the track stand out as a strong end to a strong album. Aside from a few cliché song titles (“The Grass is Always Greener”, “Hours Seemed like Days” and “Chairman of the Bored”), “Leave Your Name” is one of the strongest debut LPs I have heard in quite a while. Omaha comes through again with another winning album from a musician who is building a foundation for something great. How does Omaha produce such great music? I should have been born there instead of in the sticks of Havre, MT, where Alabama’s “Cheap Seats” is considered progressive. Damn you Montana! Damn you!