The Music Spectrum Notebook Series digs into my handwritten notes and reviews on older releases still getting my attention.
Months ago I took notes on Siberian’s With Me while at a sidewalk café drinking a Belgian beer called Delirium Tremens. That’s appropriate because Siberian’s disc starts off with the song “Belgian Beer and Catholic Girls,” an organic, rootsy flavor which gives way to an otherwise Strata-like sound.
This Britrock feel shows up again on “Paper Birds,” taking cues from Muse while adding in more than a hint of country. Elsewhere, there’s the addition of a Ted Leo feel without the levity (“Indoor Eyes”) and Radio 4’s dance rock (“Airship”). Overall, though, Siberian takes on one part of the Strata sound, extracting the part most akin to Guitar Rock/College Rock, leaving out the intricacies while retaining the rhythm, sense, and feel.
Note: Unfortunately, while you can still buy the disc, Siberian is no more. They broke up in late summer 2008.
Siberian (Myspace page still available)
Sonic Boom Recordings
