Oh Tall Tree In the Ear

iTunes Review

Chapel Hill, NC’s Roman Candle — brothers Skip and Logan Matheny and Skip’s wife Timshel — play an anxious brand of Americanized Britpop where the band’s interest in Oasis-branded melodies is tempered by touches of heartland rock and strong alt.country urges (“Sonnet 46”). “Why Modern Radio Is A-OK” is an ironic take on the band’s impression of the modern day emo-band’s hold on the airwaves and not a hopeful kiss-up to better the band’s own fortunes, since rarely are the sounds embraced by Roman Candle heard on the commercial channels. A shame, since their simple yet layered approach make them naturals for a world where smart, catchy songwriting without gimmicks takes hold. “Big Light” relies on acoustic guitars and ethereal organ as it steadily builds into an anthem. “Eden Was a Garden,” “A Heartbeat” and the lumbering “I Was a Fool” brim with Skip’s incredibly optimistic singing in the face of an indifferent world. It’s a streetwise swagger that’s most at home in the safe confines of the recording studio.