Titles – S/T / 2006 Welcome Home / 12 Tracks / http://www.listentotitles.com / http://www.welcomehomerecords.com / Reviewed 20 January 2007

The beginning salvo that the Titles fire across the listener’s bow is “Pink Pair of Shoes”, and this track seems to have a lot of the retro rock sound that was dominant in indie circles through 2004 and 2005. The style has continued through the current era through the work of Belle and Sebastian and The Zutons, but it has been a while (since the last Strokes album) since a band has been so caught up in this specific style. Where the opening section of the opening track was a little bit shaky, The Titles go forth and create a catchy chorus with which they can finish off the track.

For a disc with twelve tracks a suitable introduction is necessary, and it is something that the Titles were able to do on this track. The retro style of “Pink Pair of Shoes” continues during “Sucking the Life”, but by the time that “Empty Hotel” starts up, something different happens. This track is much more emotional, pushed to this level by the inclusion of an acoustic guitar. This is a curveball for anyone that may be listening to this self-titled album, and the Titles have likely done this to provide something new and thrilling to anyone that may be listening to the entirety of the tracks on this disc. Still, from the energy that was exerted during the prior tracks on the disc, there is a distinct feeling that Titles are losing a good deal of their momentum with “Empty Hotel”.

This same slower tempo is dominant during “Lazy Vacation”, but the vocals during this track are what save the band from going into any sort of rut. The instrumentation left to its own devices would have veered Titles into that direction, but there is enough different material present with the vocalist that the band is still on somewhat strong of footing entering into “Balloons”. Luckily, “Dust” starts up soon after, with instrumentation present that is reminiscent of mid-nineties Goo Goo Dolls. The Lucero-like vocals present are a cherry on the top of that sundae, something that make this track into a must-listen. Titles may have had a few weak tracks in a row, but this is a definite step in the right direction. If the band would be able to continue on the same path for their next album, the resulting album would be something to pick up and cherish. As this self-titled album is now, individuals can pick it up or not; it is decent but with a decent amount of chaff on it.

Top Tracks: Sucking The Life, Dust

Rating: 5.2/10

[JMcQ]