Alberta Cross: Songs Of Patience

Alberta Cross
Songs Of Patience
ATO Records [2012]









Fire Note Says: Alberta Cross are on the right path with their sophomore outing Songs Of Patience.

Album Review:
I am still a sucker for big sounding indie rock and Brooklyn's Alberta Cross can definitely fill that void on their sophomore release Songs Of Patience. The album kicks things off right with the over 5 minute "Magnolia" that has a soaring warm chorus which will have you humming along in no time. Lead singer Petter Ericson Stakee has one of those voices such as Jim James or Neil Young which is distinct as his tone is both commanding and engaging on tracks like the spiraling catchy "Lay Down".

Alberta Cross succeed because the duo have a unique folksy/UK/rock blend that works as each song here takes time to evolve and averages over 4 minutes. It is the classic verse, chorus, verse formula that creates big moments on Songs Of Patience and makes each track an event. This same formula also, at times, holds Songs Of Patience back from being great. Several tracks stray into a more bounce rock territory that feels a bit generic and watered down from some of the stand out songs on this record. Ultimately they are not awful tracks but they are simply not memorable.

What I like about Alberta Cross is that on both their debut and now the sophomore Songs Of Patience the band shows true promise. I believe that individual tracks here are stronger than anything on their debut and I hope that ATO continues to grow this band because Alberta Cross have a solid sound and clear talent that might just hit everything right next time out.

Key Tracks: "Magnolia", "Lay Down", "Ophelia On My Mind"

Bands With Similar Fire:
U2
The Shins
Oasis

Alberta Cross: Broken Side Of Time [Fire Note Review 9/17/09]

Alberta Cross Website
Alberta Cross Facebook
ATO Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony