For Life

Understated Pop Elegance

     

Not hard enough to be rock or alternative, there is nonetheless unabashed pop elegance in this collection of tunes complete with wry observations (Back of Her Head) and unexpected chord changes (Not Bringing Me Down). Though not the strongest lead singer, this can be an asset in lending some vulnerability to Bertolf's vocals, and works towards categorizing him a bit in the "Emo" genre. However, the musical underpinnings and lyrics of the songs here are often more in the vein of traditional pop compared to the recent spin the Emo crowd put on alternative. Perhaps this shows Bertolf is unconcerned with styling his music to fit the latest trend. Indeed, there is more unaffected musicianship and melody here then some mainstream artists put on their records (or are even capable of). I did find myself wishing for more variation in the arrangements and mixes (such as is evident in Monogamy). Yet Bertolf is nonetheless a pleasant surprise in a sea of murky/less well crafted indie tunes, and worth repeated listening.