Linfinity: Martian’s Bloom
New York’ six-piece Linfinity has been wowing audience since their inception in 2007. Built around the vocalist Dylan Von Wagner, the band first grabbed the attention of record labels after recording their debut EP at The Walkmen‘s Harlem studio. But it wasn’t until their second EP, Songs of the Weeping Willow did Linfinity grab the attention of media outlets like Pitchfork Media and Fluxblog. In late 2009, Linfinity signed to American Myth Recordings and finished their debut full length, Martian’s Bloom.
Being based around Von Wagner, one would think Linfinity would have a pretty consistent sound. That is not the case however. Most songs on the album probably fall into the folk genre but there are inklings of modern-classical, country, gypsy rock, rockabilly, and other genres that creep into the song writing.
The album’s first single, “Holy Rain” presents the most prominent features of the band fairly well. The song starts with acoustic guitar strums that reminds me of the Decemberists. The guitar is joins by quick violin hits before percussion comes in. The percussion is just drums but the drums are rim and tom hits which gives the track an almost Latin feel. The drums are joined by Von Wagner’s vocals. His vocals are somewhere in between David Byrne and David Thomas of Pere Ubu. The vocals can be a little off putting but they work for the type of music Linfinity plays. The type of music they play is most similar to bands like the Decemberists, Rock Plaza Central, or Neutral Milk Hotel, and certainly none of those singers would have what is traditionally called a great voice.
While Von Wagner’s vocals never change, the songs’ influence seems to shift with the song. “Choo Choo Train To Venice” stands out like a sore thumb on the album. The track starts off with a distorted surf guitar riff before breaking into something reminiscent of a B-52s song. The track moves at a blistering speed compared to the mostly mid-tempoed album. Sadly, the track might be my favorite on the album.
As a whole, the album is pretty middle of the road. Great song writing keeps the album interesting, but the album feels a little plodding at points. Too many mid-tempo ballads in a row will wear down the best of us and unfortunately that is the case on Martian’s Bloom.
Rating: 5.8/10
MP3: Linfinity “Choo Choo Train to Venice”
Buy: iTunes
Linfinity: Martian’s Bloom
