CD Review: Back Pocket Memory 'Beneath The Trees' Reaches High

Sep 10, 2011
Melissa Kucirek

Back Pocket Memory 'Beneath The Trees' - Photo Courtesy of Back Pocket Memory

LA-based alt rock/pop band, Back Pocket Memory, has range and that extra spark to deliver a solid grade on the five-track 'Beneath The Trees.'

Too often with bands, the vocalist has killer pipes and the backing band is so-so. Or, the backing orchestration does not live up to the intricate lyrics and interesting vocals. With a band like Back Pocket Memory the music-making process certainly clicked. The band's well-polished EP, Beneath The Trees, may only contain five tracks, but the work comes across as complete and contagiously fun.

What The LA Rock Scene Has Been 'Getting' For Years

The first track, "Illustrated Girl," starts out with lead vocalist and lyricist, Chris Pennington, belting out this perfectly pitched "soooooooo.....much is lost..." As the prose continues, not once does the listener feel like they are being ran through the painful teenage angst (think Panic at the Disco). The lyrics pace like a harder-rock version of Neon Trees. They are never too deep or obscure. While some alt rockers hid the drums in the background or include a generic drum patter, Jason Montgomery helms the sticks with a subtle command that surprisingly showcases in an other-wise good but not great song. And, while Pennington's voice is so clear and distinct, it is not until further into the EP that the listener takes notice.

In track two, "All We Have," the mood starts to stir. The listener starts to get what the LA rock scene has been 'getting' for years; what KROQ FM listeners ask for in the Locals Only Top 5. This song is crunchier to swallow, but it delivers a solid song that could be heard on today's AAA, AC, or college rock stations.

Best Song is "The Greatest Divide"

The CD's best song is "The Greatest Divide." The backing guitar riff is infectious; Pennington's voice is lighter, but equally emotive as "All We Have." The lyrics that stand out the most,"can't you see that I'm a castle made in the sand, I crumble to your touch." Sure, it is a boy-loves-girl song, but the mood feels fast and fierce. The overall orchestration has a solid melodic rock layering and the band moves the listener much the same way Lifehouse straddles the pop-rock and harder rock sound.

Overall EP Review is Solid A

The remaining tracks "Extra! Extra!" and "Shining Light" continue the strong presentation. This band is well-worthy of being added to the next generation's soundtrack! Rounding out Back Pocket Memory with Pennington and Montgomery are Ian Felchin (guitars, backing vocals), Eddie Rosales (guitars) and Rob Gallagher (bass, backing vocals). Overall, Beneath The Trees gets a solid A.

Listeners who enjoy Lifehouse, Daughtry, OK Go, Neon Trees, The Killers, Brandon Flowers and Green Day (late 2000s Green Day, not early Green Day stuff), will want to check out Back Pocket Memory.