I could tell you the reason I’m writing about Immaculate Machine today is because their lead vocalist, Brooke Gallupe, has a cool mustache (I have a bizarre obsession with the things). That, however, would only be partly true. Ever the fan of a cool mustache, it was the first item that drew me to the band. The second, was the catchy melody in “Sound The Alarm”.

Initially, the song reminded me of a more accessible, less orchestrated (and less dramatic) version of Bodies of Water. “Sound The Alarm” is a unique take on the typical band video — showing plenty of cuts from the band performing in various locations — the theme is clearly art and it twists into a fitting and, errr, artistic stream of clips that fit well with the song.

Immaculate Machine recently released High On Jackson Hill on Mint Records.

Immaculate Machine: Sound The Alarms [mp3]

As a young boy my exposure to music was limited to Oldies. I fell in love with groups like The Beatles and The Beach Boys. My father was especially fond of James Taylor so, naturally, I enjoyed his music as well. Growing older I became rebellious and searched out newer music sources, shunning my early loves and growing my hair to a painful-looking shoulder-length. Looking back at pictures of me with the less-slick Stephen Segal pony-tail make me cringe. But I guess we all go through such phases. I eventually came around to revert back to some of those early influences on my music palette. So why all this discussion of the music of old? How can that be relevant to a Canadian band called Young & Sexy (MySpace)? For starters the group’s third release, Panic When You Find It, does not sound like it was first released upon the world in 2006.

With heavy influences in 70′s pop, Young & Sexy would sit nicely in a collection of old Zombies and Mammas & Pappas records. Paul Hixon’s deep, rich vocals carry the album while his vocal female cohort Lucy Brain woos listeners with her delightfully sexy sounds. Harmony vocals in songs like “5/4” and “Conventional Lullabies” (the latter has what I have a habit of calling delicious hand claps) draw listeners into one of the many reasons Panic When You Find It remains near the top of my Best Releases of 2006.

“The Curious Organ” is so like the Zombies that it’s difficult to comprehend it’s recent inception into existence. “Your Enemy’s Asleep” has a similar vibe. While the top tracks on the album are the quicker-paced ones, the slower tunes are not beyond a worthy mention. “Turn On Your Weakness” is a rehash of lyrics from “The Curious Organ” while “Without Your Love” conquers all as a powerful ballad with Brain on lead vocals. Many songs, such as “Trespass on a Thought,” have a jazzy shuffle apparent only in the percussion. “Satellite” even has a country twang to it.

Despite their near three-decade old sound, the group maintains more modern production in a delightful and nostalgic sense. It is good to hear groups use slide guitars, tambourines, and deep harmony vocals. It is good to hear musicianship of a higher caliber. It is good to hear quality and originality amidst such obvious influences. And above all, it is good to hear songs that have been developed at a level far above the mediocrity that is so rampant these days.

This review was originally published July 24, 2006 on the old version of FensePost.

Young And Sexy: Conventional Lullabies [mp3]

Mint [CD, 2006]

1. Your Enemy’s Asleep
2. The Curious Organ
3. Without Your Love
4. All The Little Girls & Boys
5. 5/4
6. Night Wears A Sombrero
7. Conventional Lullabies
8. Turn On Your Weakness
9. Trespass On A Thought
10. Satellite

Upon discovering Young And Sexy (MySpace) in the preview rack at KZUU last year, “The Curious Organ” became a quick favorite of mine, topped only by “Conventional Lullabies”. Panic When You Find It also made my personal top 20 albums of 2006. “The Curious Organ” begins with lyrics Time of the season which immediately draw reference to The Zombies as the instrumentation has similarities to the group, though not the song.

I’ve been aching for some time to write more about my favorite Vancouver, BC band. Luckily they put together a lovely music video for “The Curious Organ” which will allow me to do just that.

Set in a warehouse, the video focuses on the dream world of lead male vocalist Paul Hixon Pittman who plays a jokester with an apparent crush on warehouse manager and female vocalist Lucy Brain. Characters explode in confetti after interacting with Pittman; creative and fun, the video fits well with the tune. Personally, I love this band, so it’s no surprise I’m a fan of the video. Oh Young And Sexy, please come to Seattle soon!

This review was originally posted Thursday, August 23, 2007 on the old version of FensePost.

Young And Sexy: The Curious Organ [mp3]