These United States - Crimes

Genre indie-rock Publisher United Interests

These United States hail from the capital city of DC.  The folk, pop, garage band is known for intelligent lyrics and distinct sound.  The band, lead by Jesse Elliot (vocal, guitar), is comprised of Mark Charles (bass guitar, backing vocals), Robby Cosenza (percussion, backing vocals), Justin Craig (guitar, piano, percussion), and Tom Hnatow (guitar, banjo).  Each member of the band brings many instrumental as well as vocal skills to the table, and the band is known to rotate members’ roles to keep things interesting.   

It is not surprising that Jesse Elliot is reported to be a descendant of John Chapman, who is known in American folklore as Johnny Appleseed.  Rather than literally spread seeds of fruit around the country, it is apparent that the band is hoping to spread the seeds of their literary influenced folk, from coast to coast.  In their latest release, Crimes, the band comes out swinging with the first track 'West Won'.  This song manages to reference the Bible, Greek Mythology, and Cervantes in one fail swoop.  Even with all the scholarly help and Elliot’s impressive vocal abilities, this track falls flat.  This combination of interesting lyrics and great vocals that lead to ho-hum songs describes other songs on the album.  Tracks like 'Susie at the Seashore', and 'When You're Traveling at the Speed of Light" never seem to catch fire.   

Most of the tracks on Crimes do have spark.  "Honor Amongst Thieves" manages to make serious light of somewhat serious topics.  Ironically, with lyrics like "sometimes when the journeymen would drop by...get drunk, and make sad sounds, they'd swear-upon their mothers' graves!" the song is upbeat and almost catchy.  This track leads into an equally lively song 'Six Fast Bullets'.  But songs like ‘Heaven Can Wait’ and ‘Study the Moon’ slow things down and allow you to catch your breath.   

The song 'Those Low Country Girls' is not at all cerebral and is so easy to listen to.  This song could be mistaken for a country tune in its subject matter and sound.  "But you know I love those Low Country-said I'm just oh-so sweet on those Low Country girls".  You'll be sweet on this song and most of Crimes, but no one will hold it against you.