Good thing for Phantom Buffalo, which, although known then as The Ponys, likely found its great jangle pop suddenly palatable to those living in the other Portland. Their second full-length, “Take To The Trees,” continues in a tradition of releasing great, sunshiny music which is simultaneously hip and accessible — oftentimes a difficult line for groups to discern.
Luckily, Phantom Buffalo brews a tasty concoction of smart lyrics, layered sound and creativity which pushes them away from the pack of Shins-wannabees. However surreal they may be, each song spins a tightly-woven yarn, filled with self-contained lore. Whether the topic is the destruction of the planet (“Dusty Disguise”), reflections on age (“84 Today”) or simply seasonal bliss (“I’ll Be There In July”), lead singer Jon Balzano-Brookes leads the listener on a journey both far away, yet not so unfamiliar.
Musically, the boys are at their most creative as well. Squeezing even more life out of their tracks than on their debut full-length, 2005’s “Shishimumu,” the musicianship is not technically flawless, yet brims with enough youthful energy to inspire. Perhaps the best and hookiest is album closer “Be The Boss,” which features a well-paced melody built around Balzano-Brookes’ crooning “ooohs.” Also, a building crescendo which lasts until the song’s climax makes this cut a classic.
While a compelling listen, “Take To The Trees” is not a perfect album. Occasionally, songs meander to the point of dullness, moving from repetition for the sake of theme to the act of simply filling up space. Also, Balzano-Brookes sometimes wavers dangerously close into too twee territory, a fate which has swallowed up decent bands — such as England’s The Boy Least Likely To — into an oblivion of cuteness.
But it’s hard to be bitter when the band delivers beautiful slices of craftsmanship like “Mrs. Connelly.” This tale of the afterlife, complete with a cameo by Lucifer himself, is a brief but complex track, filled with neat tempo changes and shifting chords. Like the Buffalo’s best, it will remain in your head long after the disc stops spinning.
Maine native and music writer William Earl is currently living in Boston, playing in a band and enjoying tunes from all over New England.