[rating=9.00]
When Sharon Van Etten joins Pickwick for a cover of Seattle indie-rock icon Richard Swift’s “Lady Luck,” their debut LP Can’t Talk Medicine reaches its zenith. The collaboration coalesces into a stone cold neo-soul classic. With a nod to Hall and Oates’ falsetto harmonies, “Lady Luck” is pitch-perfect; a patient rendering that exemplifies Pickwick’s triadic harmony of rock n’ roll, indie-blues, and classic soul.
After garnering extensive blog praise from three two-track digital EPs, the young Pacific Northwest band strongly and impressively assert their might on this effort. Showing off a brawny, full-band sound, vocalist Galen Disston shines throughout as he coaxes a gritty and exuberant soul man’s voice from his innocuous physical presence. Think more Buddy Holly than Otis Redding. With a persistent need to scratch a blues-dance-band itch, Pickwick plays full-bodied rock n’ soul with animated electric guitars, bottomless organ swells and fertile voices. Consistent and abundant harmonies squarely situate the band’s vocal delivery at the forefront of their sound.
“The Round” is a compact, bulbous rocker that rides agitated yet charming interplay between bass and organ. “Hacienda Motel” is a holdover from their digital EPs and shines with whip-smart communication between bass, rhythm guitar and drums. All the tracks are filled with a hybrid take on a classic, gritty R&B sound, more Stax than Motown. By playing with a dense, diverse landscape of sound and effects, Pickwick creates a strong sonic wall that is further bolstered by punchy, full production. In “Letterbox” and “Well, Well” the band creates mini-anthems teeming with lush vocals, high harmonies and dynamic dialogue that shows off their more than satisfying instrumental prowess. Can’t Talk Medicine is clearly the product of a band coming into their own.
