The Independent LP
The Independent LP, from Five Times August, is a two-disc sampling from this band whose moniker is derived from 23-year-old Brad Skistimas' birth date. The group originated in 2001 and with this endeavor fuses pop and rock harmoniously. The second disc contains acoustic versions of songs on disc one, which brings an unplugged element to the album and truly showcases the immense talent of this enigmatic bunch.
Disc one starts off with "First Time for Everything," which delves into using upbeat guitar play and drum work that has that infectious pop feel about it. The vocalist reminisces about milestones in his relationship. "I'm standin' in the place we met, my heart shakes and then I sweat/Could I really be your friend. I can barely just pretend. I'm standin' in the place we first kissed, there's so much I missed. This I can't resist cuz I'm all over."
"Save It for Later" slows things down as the guitar play gets overly rhythmic, and listeners will be able to hear each chord being strummed. The vocalist seems to want to express his feelings to his girl, but keeps putting it off for a later time. "Look at me. Do you see anything you want/Three words unheard." His timbre sounds as if he is aching to unveil his true feelings, but still something is holding him back.
On "Perfectly" there is drum work that has a march-like tone in the intro, but then the pitch immediately segues into regular guitar chords being played. Then the beat of the song takes a turn toward country as the vocalist muses about how his lady consumes him. "You're the center of me. You're the center in me/The weight keeps bringin' me down/My words of desire gonna set me on fire tonight." The seductive message of this song makes it sound like a love letter detailing how much she is craved by the vocalist.
The second disc begins the acoustic side of the album. On "U-Turn" specific guitar tones can be heard as the vocalist uses the metaphor of taking a drive to illustrate the depth of his admiration for his sweetheart. "You and me are livin' like dreams tonight. Full speed direction unknown but right. Slow down we ain't in a hurry/I never woulda wanted anybody else but you." It seems he is confessing his esteem for his partner and that no one could ever make him feel as she does.
On "Owe It All to You" the quick pop feel returns to the foreground with a slight country curve as the vocalist sweetly sings about letting go. "Sunshine lookin' over my head. Where do I go? Why don't I know? Moonlight's breathin' down my neck. Whispers