Review / 200 Words Or Less
Trashcan Sinatras
In the Music

Lo-Five (2009) Sean K.

Trashcan Sinatras – In the Music cover artwork
Trashcan Sinatras – In the Music — Lo-Five, 2009

The new record by this Scotland group features a finely polished veneer that glides smoothly through your ears from start to finish. The solid interplay of guitars between John Douglas and Paul Livingston continues to take each song to dizzying heights. Coupled with the sincere vocals of Frank Reader and the solid back-beat provided by Stephen Douglas, you are guaranteed a masterful sound. But the songwriting also is on par with the musicianship, no easy feat. "Easy on the Eye" has such memorable lines as, "I'm always losing sleep / She reads between the sheets." "Oranges and Apples" is a moving tribute to former Pink Floyd leader Syd Barrett, "Emily and the English Rose / Shining at the UFO / Hand in hand with your Eskimo / Oranges they fell for you." Great record, great band, and worthy addition to their already extraordinary back catalog. Seek this out without delay.

8.0 / 10Sean K. • October 22, 2009

Trashcan Sinatras – In the Music cover artwork
Trashcan Sinatras – In the Music — Lo-Five, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

Errth

Errth
Uncle Style Records (2025)

What makes a gruff vocal melodic punk band stand out? That's the question I'm asking myself as I listen to Errth's debut on repeat. I've been playing this record for probably a month straight and I dig it. It checks the heart-on-sleeve style I enjoy but I'm struggling to figure out why, exactly. I think on this, it's the tones … Read more

1186

Histeria
Drunken Sailor (2025)

If you read enough press releases, you start questioning if you even know what genre names mean. Post-punk has been one of the most abused terms of the past 2-3 years and it seems to mean wildly different things to different people. To me, it’s always meant an ear for angular guitars and noise atop more traditional song concepts. 1186 … Read more

Li Jianhong

Shuttle Raven of the Dream
Utech (2025)

Li Jianhong's philosophy surpasses the direct relationship of a musician with their instrument of choice. Instead, Li has advocated for Environment Improvisation, where the urge to create and improvise is established by the artist's surroundings. Looking at Li's website you can find numerous instances that inspired him to settle down and start improvising, drawing energy from the surroundings. The music … Read more