The Botticellis
Old Home Movies (Antenna Farm)
By Catherine Patterson
Published: May 14th, 2008 | 9:00am
Growing up in California, an obsession with pop music, and a friendship that formed nearly at birth (okay, kindergarten) are the key ingredients for San Francisco quintuplet The Botticellis. Frontman
Alexi Glickman and Zack Ehrlich bonded while they played violin duets in kindergarten, forming a lasting friendship that eventually included Burton Li, Blythe Foster and Ian Nansen.
Viola! The Botticellis.
On the group's debut, Glickman's vocals melodically dive and soar through beautifully crafted pop songs. Old Home Movies boasts a youthful spirit, yet stylistically mature harmonies. This is
a refined group of young musicians who have studied the art of songwriting, and present it in an honest, full-of-sunshine way on their debut. The album's first and title track, reminiscent of The Beach Boys, transports listeners to the sand and spurs childhood memories. "Stay With My Brother" is a summery tribute, with Glickman's vocals weaving between childhood and adulthood. The emotionally-charged "When I Call" features guitars that pull listeners into a trance.
One of the most refreshing things about Home Movies is The Botticellis' range. "Up Against the Glass" is a vibrant, energy-infused track with Glickman declaring, "Up against the glass /
things can multiply / she let you crawl around her neck / hiding from a lie." Meanwhile, the beautifully arranged "Flashlight" has a retro, faded feel.
Old Home Movies is a heartfelt collection of meaningful songs woven out of warmth and memories. It is an earnest arrangement that evokes a trip or two down memory lane. However, the group has given themselves a challenge: The record's ten songs fly by, hopefully the next time around they'll have more of that California sunshine to share.
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The Botticellis' MySpace
Issue #35
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