THE BLAKES

Art of Losses

theblakesband.com

This Seattle trio cut its latest in the wilds of Maine, where the idea was to unplug from the modern world. Off went the internet, and on a handful of tracks, so did the guitar effects—more or less. “Black Carnation” and “Paralysis” are runaway rockers reminiscent of Dylan or the Kinks, and both give the impression of a band bashing away in a barn. Elsewhere, the Blakes try throbbing New Wave (“Narwhal”) and get atmospheric with their guitars, edging—U2 pun intended—“Dark Is the Night” and “Old Gal” into stadium territory. Art of Losses works because they do garage and dance rock equally well. Now that they’re back online, they’re bound to read some good reviews.