Up until now, the Toronto-based indie group, EX~PO has flown under most radar. But, with their (relatively recent) 2008 release, Central Meaner Street, that is about to change. Centrally focused on the multitalented Dean Marino, EX~PO caters to all kinds of listeners. With Central Meaner Street, EX~PO forges its own path, while pouncing on the lily pads of pop, indie-rock, experimental, and electro-house—among countless other genres—to deliver something truly memorable.
“Make it simple, keep it clever” sings Marino on “Tasty Bites”, the opening track of Central Meaner Street. The song is creative; there is no doubt about that. With a pop-induced, yet indie-rock style vaguely familiar to Death Cab for Cutie (with fuzzier guitar), EX~PO is sure to attract attention with this song. Likewise, its lyrical content manages to entertain: as a writer, lyrics like “come on sister, back to work / we’ve got deadlines gotta make tonight,” sung with the band’s happy-go-lucky intonation, immediately hooked me in. Other upbeat tracks include “My New Story”, “Burn, Burn, Burn”, “Constant Commuter”, and “Banana Republic (Reprise)”.
The longest track on Central Meaner Street, “My New Story” is an appropriate installment. Marino’s grasp and mastery of stylish guitar melodies are apparent on this number. In true indie fashion “My New Story” is peppered tastefully with an echoing tinge of keyboards and (what sounds like) heavily sampled brass instruments which rub elbows with EX~PO’s signature electric, fuzzy riffs. On the same side, “Burn, Burn, Burn” explores the depths of EX~PO’s complex style: a polka-carousel driven sound with ample drums bring attention to Marino’s intricate lyrics. It seems like Dean Marino’s lyrics on this track could be likened to those of both Jason Webley and Amanda Palmer through their ranting about obscure childhood experiences. While his words boast that “all of my little subjects are pleading for mercy”, Marino’s sweet vocals conceal the plot of this seemingly murderous story. Well, almost.
Opening with a rather nasal tone, Marino and his cohorts give an effortless example of EX~PO’s sunny, stunning style with “Constant Commuter”. With lyrics about crunching numbers, excessive coffee drinking, and everyday office life, EX~PO delivers an energetic, melodic track with evident mastery of countless instruments. A steady drumbeat, droning, desirable guitar riffs, and the melodic ting of bells (or incredibly clever guitar manipulation) testify to EX~PO’s resourceful sound. “Banana Republic (Reprise)” adds a ting of bells (perhaps, a xylophone) in the background along with pleasant, almost danceable guitar riff. The sampling of string instruments at the beginning of the track is different from the rest of the album; perhaps that is the intent behind the “(Reprise)” portion of this song’s title. Marino’s profound vocals on “Banana Republic (Reprise)” shine as some of the most mature on the record.
Other tracks on the album are still engaging, but tend to be more laid-back. For instance, “By All Accounts” is a wonderfully chill track. Spilling the tendencies of a woman who “sleeps at the office” and “paints the town read”, the group really brings something entertaining to the table. A rich combination of tambourines, solemn strumming, and strong drums keep the song together when matched with Marino’s surprisingly raspy and rough vocals. A mere forty-three seconds of limelight are given to the interlude known as “Banana Republic,” but that doesn’t mean that EX~PO leaves anything to be desired. In fact, the balance between zealous keyboard patterns, a picking guitar, and a vivid stronghold of drums pave the way for a perky, nearly danceable experience. “Morning Wake” has a haphazard, mismatched acoustic rhythm, and Dean Marino’s devastatingly innocent and boyish vocals crack this track wide open. Hauntingly reminiscent of and comparable to the style of both Bright Eyes and Placebo, “Morning Wake” is heartbreaking and addictive. Acoustic guitar strumming matched with a reverberating intrusion of piano and an overt lack of drums make the song truly unique. If there is one track on Central Meaner Street which accurately depicts EX~PO’s commendable mastery of instrument, “Morning Wake” might just be the winner.
“They just do what they have to do/ at day’s end” boasts Marino on “At Day’s End”, the final narrative, electro-influenced track on Central Meaner Street. EX~PO blends artful, story-like lyrics with masqueraded, fuzzy riffs. An echoing, melodic electric guitar rhythm is also present and set against the backdrop of this vocally offbeat—yet, nevertheless upbeat—song. Without a doubt, EX~PO’s memorable lyrics about the life and death of an unnamed soldier and those close to him might register with listeners, in one way or another. While the subject matter of the track is seemingly difficult to digest, it is Marino’s gentle, velvety voice and EX~PO’s collaborative mastery and manipulation of countless instruments that make the song scrumptious. It would be fitting to see “At Day’s End” serving as the outro to a primetime television show: it’s just that good.
All instrumental manipulation considered, EX~PO wins with Central Meaner Street. It’s hard to knock this album; it has a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for something with a summery, energetic vibe or perhaps something to express your frustration with the world around you, chances are, you’ll be able to find a suitable track on this record. Undoubtedly, Dean Marino’s Wilson-meets-Alessandro Cortini vocals are adorable, and his creativity is refreshing.
Central Meaner Street was released on Filmhouse Recordings, and is currently available for digital download, and may be purchased in vinyl and CD format through the band’s official website, www.filmhouserecordings.com.
Track List
1. Tasty Bites
2. By All Accounts
3. Banana Republic
4. My New Story
5. Burn, Burn, Burn
6. Morning Wake
7. Constant Commuter
8. Your Sunny Days
9. Banana Republic (Reprise)
10. At Day's End
