Although 7-piece Gentleman Auction House is not a Saddle Creek band, they certainly could be. And although they draw countless comparisons to Bright Eyes, the clap-stomping fury of their twinkly, glockenspiel-infused indie pop is more Tilly and the Wall. Alphabet Graveyard is a patchwork of adventurous songs, each searching for a distinct persona, and all threaded together with brilliantly catchy choruses. The opener, "ABCDEFGraveyard" is a collage of Nintendo- guitar riff, chanting, spit-out lyrics, and lots of "na-na-na-na" chorus, while in "I Sleep in a Bed of Scissor Arms,” synthy, spacey keyboards soar over a pendulous bass line. Quite the experimental septet! "Call it Casual" is the album's absolute gem, and a story all its own. Desperate for stability in his casual relationship, Eric Enger (vocals) pleads with his dubious lover, miserable over her uncertainty. The progression of jangly guitar and gleaming trumpet seem to improve his mood, “… but I know it's out of my hands..." When the song reaches its bubbly climax, you can almost see him throwing (and the trumpet spewing) streams of confetti from a mountaintop. The party has started and you're invited.
--Lauren Pezzullo [September 15, 2008]
