Description
Remember when San Francesca were called Le Verita? They couldn't decide if they were a dance or rock band, just like early New Order. But their new album, We Live in Public, showcases their new lineup and matured sound. With a drummer, the synth-pop elements have been tempered significantly, exposing some of their less obvious influences like Sigur Ros and other slow burning, experimental post-rock bands, yet they still mix in some straight-forward pop sounds and some heart-felt indie rock influences (bands like the National come to mind). The first few tracks start out darker and heavier with Harrison Russell's vocals bathed in distortion, giving it an eerie distance. Deeper in, the album mellows out a bit. There's even a few pretty synth ballads, played with drums of course. Also performing is East Bay metal-string band Judgment Day. - Aaron Carnes sanjose.com