Alex Kintzle and The Davis Brothers – The Broken Record EP

You ever hear an album and just know you’re going to like it just from the opening notes? Sometimes I can tell just from a few notes or a few beats or a couple of lyrics that I will like what will come.  This one was a piano and a voice. Something about the use of a piano in a pop song that makes me happy. Singer-songwriter Alex Kintzle and the Davis Brothers, Luke Davis from Rebel Creek and Mickey Davis of Olsen Twinns, have put together a six song EP, The Broken Record EP, that is just a no frills, basic little pop record. It isn’t going to change the world or anything, but for roughly twenty minutes it is a comfortable and friendly collection of songs.

The immediate comparison is Ben Folds. I mean immediate. There are some very strong reminders of Ben Folds. There could be worse people to pattern yourself after. Ben Folds is a pretty unique artist at times, so when someone can be compared to him, it is a good thing. He has a non-threatening quality to him, like you know you’re going to enjoy yourself in a completely sane way. There is something safe about it. I know that makes it sound lame, but I just liked sitting back and listening to it and hearing about Kintzle’s world for a little bit. Not every album can be a blitz of beats or horns or whatever.

These six tracks are also backed well by the Davises, with some trumpet work from Elliot Burke. They don’t exactly break out their biggest guitar moves or Buddy Rich drum work. But what they do is provide excellent accompaniment to Kintzle’s excellent piano and somewhat nasal voice.

Re-reading this, makes it sound like I am heaving back-handed compliments left and right, but I honestly really like the simplicity of it. The stories are easy to hear and relate to. The music doesn’t drown you, but the talent is obvious. I like this EP a great deal and hope they keep working together, but really the spotlight belongs to Kintzle, and makes me interested in what is in store for him in the future.

Try Not To Miss Shows – 7/12 – 7/18

Max Wellman Quartet – 7/12 -  Des Moines Social Club 12pm

Max Wellman is a silky Jazz singer and his backing band is made up of some talented local jazz musicians. Note the start time of 12 noon. This is part of the Orchestrate Jazz Lunch Series. $7 and you get a burrito, too. Boy, I hope you read this before noon, or else I will look silly.

Daymoths, Dresden Style and Fetal Pig – 7/12 – Vaudeville Mews 930pm

The unique and talented Daymoths with a couple of Des Moines most interesting and loud rock bands from Des Moines. All three are great, and I really like Fetal Pig and think they’re one of the most talented bands around

Olsen Twinns Album Release Show – 7/13 – Space For Ames 7pm

The aforementioned Mickey Davis’ electronic project Olsen Twinns releases his first full length album Found Things. It is incredible, as is this show. Tires, Liana, Twins and Lesbian Poetry. Also, there are reports of some before and after shows scattered around Ames.

Wild Nothing w/ Land of Blood and Sunshine, Tires – 7 /14 – Vaudeville Mews 930pm

The critically acclaimed Wild Nothing comes to town for a can’t miss show. With Tires and Land of Blood and Sunshine attached, this is quite an incredible show.