Soulwax

Much Against Everyone’s Advice (Almo)
by Jamie Kiffel

A warm G struck just so it rings, by a player whose expression seems to glint off the very blood inside him – that is the sound singer Stephen Dewaele lets run all over Much Against Everyone’s Advice. With his guitarist/brother David, the pair create rock true to the band’s provocative name, dipping down to levels that make small talk drop off like cracked candy coating. Unusual phrases like “proverbial pants” would be embarrassing if sung with any less thoughtful attention and introspective tone. But Stephen’s almost Zevon-esque attention to the words and the feelings evokes more than a pop song should, rubbing up the high emotion of good folk rock. Scoop some out and massage your heartstrings.
(360 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048)