This talented Cleveland foursome cites Modest Mouse, Radiohead, Josh Ritter, and Wilco as influences. And they live up to those high standards on their debut album, which follows a pair of EPs. There are some missteps on The Sad Machine — the coy “CMF” sounds like Barenaked Ladies, hardly a band that should be uttered in the same breath as Wilco — but mostly it hits its targets. “Patience as a Virtue” aims for Radiohead grandeur and nearly pulls it off. So does “One More Machine,” which sounds a little like “Karma Police.” Lush piano ballads like “When the World Ends” hint at Coldplay-style craftsmanship. Singular may not be a totally original group, but they’re on their way. — Niesel
With the 4-Q’s, Leah Lou, and Comfort Clouds. 8:30 p.m. Friday, December 10. Thursday’s Lounge. Free; call 330-253-2651 or go to thursdayslounge.com.
This article appears in Dec 8-14, 2010.
