Originally published in Verbicide issue #6

I would categorize this band as “lazy rock,” a term to describe bands whose singer’s vocals are lazy and require the band to provide the skeleton to solidify the vocal harmony a la The Strokes; the vocals would be nothing without the back up of the instruments. When it comes to the vocals in a “lazy rock” band, it’s all or nothing, and the “all” is substantiated purely by the band. This is not to say that the vocals harm the music, but rather contribute to its unique sound despite the raspy and annoying voice. So, on the other side of the coin, the band’s sound wouldn’t exist without those vocals.

The Natural History rightly fits into this definition with its two-minute songs of lackadaisical rhythm. “Telling Lies Will Get You No Where” begins with the simplicity of a snare drum coupled with vocals that almost make you want to punch the singer in the face, but as the song progresses, the chorus melds the strident vocals with the harmonious crashing of the guitar, drums, and bass. Then, when the chorus ends, the song diminishes back into simplicity: the snare again comprises the backbone and the bass and guitar licks present themselves per measure, serving as a reminder of the impending choral harmony. This pattern is replicated more or less in the rest of the four songs. The music is good, but personally, there is nothing particularly exciting about it.

(StarTime International Record Co.,  285 5th Avenue, PMB #452, Brooklyn, NY 11215)