Venice Is Sinking Issue #28

Sorry About The Flowers (One Percent Press)

By Dean Ramos
Published: June 1st, 2006 | 7:00am

While Americans wielding synthesizers, string instruments, and faux British accents is hardly anything new, few are as singularly unique and sincere as the five-piece from Athens, Georgia, Venice is Sinking.

Among the things that set them apart from the multitude of other indie-rock acts out there is the slightly Celtic sound of their music, obvious with opener “Pulaski Heights” and later expanded upon with the slightly somber, yet undeniably stirring “Curtains.”

Another hallmark of Sorry About the Flowers is the subtle use of female vocalist Karolyn Troupe. Often backing up singer-guitarist Daniel Lawson on tracks like “Undecided,” Troupe later takes centerstage on the heartbreakingly spooky “To Your Ghost,” where her exquisitely engaging voice brilliantly offsets the song’s largely ominous tone.

Venice is Sinking’s biggest draw, however, has to be the heartfelt tenderness prevalent within each and every track. From the beautifully acoustic “Andropolis” to the far grander, yet every bit as emotionally intimate “CSX,” Sorry About the Flowers is an impressive debut to say the least, and is, without question, orchestral pop at it’s finest.

As the album winds down, though, the crack in the armor appears in the form of “Blue By Late,” an overly drawn out and ultimately unnecessary track. On the whole though, Sorry About the Flowers is an outstanding introduction to a band that’s not only likely to melt the iciest of hearts, but also win over the most jaded of critics.