Engine Room Records
2006
Suburban Sprawl
About This Album
Caleb Sherman and Peter Block, the New York City-based duo behind Porter Block, love to create buoyant pop tunes filled with harmonies and hooks. If that makes you think about another New York area pop band the Fountains of Wayne, then you have a good starting point on Porter Block's sound. The disc's jaunty opening track "Wonder About Me," which takes aim at an ex-girlfriend with some gentle sniping ("Are you out there/Has your hair turned grey"), wouldn't sound out of place on a Fountains' album. Porter Block, however, isn't as devoted in trying to give every lyric a clever or snarky twist like Fountains enjoy doing. Their approach, both lyrically and musically, is a gentler one. In this way, Porter Block, as evidenced on such wistful pop tunes "Dream Another Day" and "Circle," favor another of their influences, Crowded House. On "Safe and Warm," Sherman and Block achieve a laid-back Jack Johnson vibe as they sing about "a man stuck in the traffic" trying to get home to his love. There is a warmth to their music that conveys a sense of sincere emotions. The disc's arrangements, accenting acoustic guitars, and airy harmonies, result in a pleasant, easy-on-the-ears sound.
Track List (try tracks 1,2,4,5,6,7,8 and 11)

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