The 1900s

Plume Delivery (Parasol)

By Anna Breshears
Published: June 14th, 2006 | 12:26pm

Chicago seven-piece the 1900s won a record deal after their first show; since then, they’ve quickly catapulted into the hearts of pop critics nationwide. Their six-song EP Plume Delivery reveals a psych-pop vision marked by baroque orchestration and charming vocal harmonies.

Opener “Bring The Good Boys Home” provides single-worthy irresistibility via ? & The Mysterians-inspired Vox organ thump, supple vocals, and a crisp garage-rock rhythm, while “A Coming Age” employs dual male/female harmonies with indie folk touches and rich, gorgeous violin for a gentler, though no less catchy, outcome. Instrumental “Flight of the Monowings” teeters under the weight of a jam-rock axe and a Doors-y organ, but the organic, summery goodness of “Whole of the Law” cancels out the misstep. “Patron Saint of the Mediocre” is marred by its lengthiness and off-key, rambling vocals, but once again, the 1900s bounce back with the short but sweet closer “Heart Props”.

Plume Delivery, while uneven, is an impressive first EP. When they remain focused on creating breezy, listenable pop compositions, the 1900s are delightful. However, when their ‘60s psych tendencies intercede, the songs suffer. Let’s hope they stick with the fresh, lighter approach of Plume’s best offerings when recording their full-length follow-up this summer.