Ex-Po
Central Meaner Street
Film House Recordings

Dean Marino has recorded an excellent album as Ex-Po before and this follow-up is equally deft. "By All Accounts" is a dreamy, sensitive song with a great chorus. Marino's gentle lead vocal guides the song through its fuzzy backing. "Burn, Burn, Burn" is quasi-reggae with an amusing chorus, though the words speak of arson and a darker world. "Constant Commuter" recalls My Bloody Valentine's white noise symphonies and carves out a melody that really works against the backing. "Banana Republic (reprise)" is a deft and strangely paced song with an acidic lyric. Marino's talent easily guides him rough this brief but compelling album.

Copyright © 2009 Anna Maria Stjärnell