New Roman Times
On the Sleeve (New Granada)
Reviewed by Austin Powell, Fri., July 31, 2009
New Roman Times
On the Sleeve (New Granada)Not unlike one particular local forebearer, New Roman Times draws a hard line between love and darkness, only it's never quite clear which side it's chosen. On the Sleeve, the sophomore effort from these Florida transplants, rides a shadowy, 1980s electro groove through familiar themes of jealousy (title cut), indecision ("Belle du Jour"), and reconciliation ("21st Century Limited"), at times recalling Interpol's Antics and, in the staggered delivery of "West End World," Silent Alarm-era Bloc Party. A lack of confidence, originality, and compelling presentation dampens the album's brighter moments, such as the neon glimmer "VCR" and the throbbing "Young Hearts." Daniel Owens' lyrical daggers aren't nearly as sharp as the band's sound – an engaging backdrop of dual, zip-line guitars, hypnotic bass, and danceable percussion – but his icy-hot tension with Josie Fluri simmers in opener "Smoke in Your Disguise" and "New Distance." Darkness awaits.
