Immoor - The Thievery of Your Own Things
Posted on 12-24-06 by Steve Henderson
Immoor - The Thievery of Your Own Things
Release Date: 11/2/06
Record Label: Immoor Productions
"Okay, let's face it. It's really not a secret anymore that we are all getting sick of the bullshit glitz, glam, and overall ego of electro-rock right now. For every Postal Service or Rock Kills Kid out there trying to bring a little style and substance to the genre, there are ten times as many Panic! at the Discos or Killers facsimiles washing that away in a torrent of eyeliner and image. So when there is the chance to see electronic-tinged rock music that humbly presents itself for what it is, and remains comfortable on its own two feet, the breath of fresh air is indeed welcome.
Like me, you have probably never heard of Immoor before. And really, who can blame you, since when I received Casey Immoor's record in the mail, his act had a scant 205 friends on Myspace. Not exactly the ultimate barometer of success, but still, it gives you an idea just how quietly The Thievery of Your Own Things comes forward. No pomp and circumstance, no MTV specials. Just an extremely well-executed LP from a previously unknown act.
So what does Immoor sound like, you ask? Well, if you look at all the indie bands out there with an Atari slant that still manage to reel in the gloss and sheen, you will have your answer. The opener, "Chemical Feelings," gives a solid indicator of what to expect - nonchalant, hypnotic, yet unspectacular vocals, thoughtfully relaxed drum samples, and subtle synth hints. The final stew is atmospheric, yet not overly ambient in the druggy sort of way that records like this can often devolve into. The same sort of sentiments carry through the rest of the record, but they are never entirely copied, as Thievery manages to be an extremely diverse work. From the breathy vocal work and twitchy drum loop of "Concrete Boots" to the outright Postal Service posturing on "Unit 371" to the borderline dancy "Bows and Arrows," there is quite a bit of gear switching going on. The effect is even further magnified when we hit "In Tow" (which sounds like it could well be a Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots b-side), and the spooky, apocalyptic gloominess of "Mushroom Cloud." For as much pinballing as we have here, though, the record never loses its cohesiveness, while everything remains distinctly Immoor.
If you find yourself wondering just what the hell Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Tamborello are up to lately, don't even bother. Quell your Postal Service hunger pangs with the tasty morsel from this unlikely source. Casey Immoor has totally come out of left field with this record, which is a stunning blend of indie, electronica, and subdued rock. His lyrics are surprisingly clever, his beats are fresh and tasteful, and it shows when the album comes together. The Thievery of Your Own Things is really an excellent record, and showed up on my door step just barely too late to make my top 10 of 2006. Otherwise, it would have definitely made the cut. Check this album out."- 12/24/06, steve henderson @ absolutepunk.net
what I have to say:
This is the the long awaited full length album from IMMOOR. This is the first complete work from IMMOOR, capping a long two year recording project. The finished product is a culmination of every emotion experienced over two years, a combination that walks a fine line between joy and sadness with each track. The resulting sound is reminiscent of a number of genres, but is most identifiable with the likes of the postal service, junior boys, soulwax, boards of canada, and etc....
