Sunday, January 31, 2010
A+E, Music, Reviews

The Villains

“THE VILLAINS”  (DCM)

Courtesy of Michael J. Media

THE VILLAINS
w/Brian Collins
Tuesday, Feb. 2
8 p.m.
Eddie’s Attic
$10-13
404-377-4976
www.eddiesattic.com

With an evil moniker that evokes bad dudes doing dastardly acts, it would seem that Atlanta’s Villains should be holding court at more raucous venues such as the Star Bar or the Masquerade. At least until you hear the band’s music.

   All thoughts of vicious men disburse as the Villains’ catchy country-pop kicks in with the opening “Let’s Forget About it Tonight.” “C’mon now, everything will be all right” aren’t lyrics you’d expect from a disc with a retro painting of a half-naked girl on its cover, especially when they’re bolstered by sweet harmonies and chiming guitars. There’s more where that comes from on this short eight-song album, as it becomes clear that the Villains make music as warm and cuddly as a puppy.

    That poppy approach is a double-edged sword, because these tight, well-crafted songs lack the edge that gave such similarly styled outfits as the Eagles an underlying threat. It’s especially frustrating since Atlanta’s Peter Stroud, well known for his rugged work with Sheryl Crow (less so for his work with Shawn Mullins and Michelle Malone), co-writes three tracks. While there are echoes of the Jayhawks and Poco here, there’s also a nagging sense that these guys are happy hanging out in Margaritaville, especially on the sun-and-sand-baked strumming of “Where We Began.”

    It’s all breezy and hummable enough, but also safe, calculated and lacking the distinctive qualities of acts that display some of the menace implied by the Villains’ misleading name. 2.5    STARS—Hal Horowitz