Austin Sound

After emo music received its first whiff of cultural significance, the genre was blacklisted by music purists. Pioneers like Sunny Day Real Estate opened the door for pop-emo acts that brought a new brand of angst rock on to the mainstream stage. Hundreds of DIY bands came after, following a cookie cutter sound that traded the original intentions of emotional expression for a fashion statement. Since then, aside from those holding Hot Topic frequent buyer cards, any “emo” has been dismissed by underground audiences. At first listen, Pompeii sounds like just another product of the post-mainstream emo movement. This band, however, deserves a closer look. Pompeii’s solid debut, Assembly, gained them critical acclaim, and left the doors open for judgment on their next move. And their sophomore LP, Nothing Happens for a Reason, does not disappoint. Pompeii channels Sunny Day Real Estate, combining it with just the right amount of indie rock to draw in emo skeptics. While the songs are often long winded and predictable, the smart warmth of a cellist pulls this band ahead of the pack.

Opening track “Where We’re Going We Don’t Need Roads” is the perfect beginning. Comparable to the rest of the songs, the track is short, and eases in the listener rather than immediately blasting them with the four to five minute songs that comprise the rest of the album. The overbearing, pushy sound of the next few tracks after the opener threaten to spoil its success, but Pompeii regains composure with the simple but effective “Pillars.” Just when it seems the music is overzealous, Pompeii strips off the superfluous fluff to make a raw, emotionally moving composition. The lyrics may err on the cheesy side, but lead singer Dean Stafford sings them with such conviction that they can be forgiven.

Pompeii has the tendency to rely too much on the brilliant cello work of Caitlin Bailey. When the cello is first introduced, it is a fresh and intriguing release, but after a few songs, the band falls into their own formula, deviating only slightly from their comfort zone. When the pattern is interrupted, however, as with the synth introduction on “Ready/Not Ready,” it is the kind of small change that helps keep the album together. Instrumental breaks and endings like the glockenspiel at the end of “False Alarm” or the distorted guitar in “Knots” break up what could be monotonous tracks. Pompeii is at their best with down-tempo songs, allowing time to absorb what can be overwhelming sound layers.

Overall, Nothing Happens for a Reason puts a fresh spin on the exhausted emo genre. Their solid melodies are tied together with the delicate, drifting lines of the cello. Although the collection is not largely dynamic, Pompeii knows their niche and execute it well. While the album has lackluster moments, its high points affirm that Pompeii will avoid falling into insignificance, especially if they can push beyond formula with their more unique elements.

Websites:
www.pompeiimusic.com
Myspace