Entangled

Album Review

The Marlboro Chorus continue their drive through the charming fields of indie rock on their Entangled EP. The six-song release is a nice follow-up to the band's 2003 debut, Good Luck; however, this little gem finds the Marlboro Chorus honing in on their smart pop design. B. Patric recorded it entirely on an eight-track with mono drums, and the lack of fancy production is what makes the Marlboro Chorus as brilliant as they are. Simple says a lot. The songs included here are intricately different from one another in the way that each of them has its own lyrical life. Entangled doesn't have time to taper off into a rather bland mix of country-inspired indie rock songs. Patric keeps things quick and exact, in turn leaving the listener wishing for more. From the power pop sweetness of "Our Mother of Perpetual Helpdesk" (think Ted Leo) to the wispy acoustic guitars and choir boy-like humming of "Song for L," Entangled travels through an enchanting musical world. "The Moondial" could have easily been part of the Good Luck sessions, but it's the jangly brilliance of the EP's title track and "Hymn of the New Republic" that captures B. Patric's effort of making solid pop music. The Marlboro Chorus may be a casual gig, but there's nothing hit-or-miss about Entangled, or Good Luck for that matter. B. Patric has stumbled onto something great. Entangled is merely the beginning.