ALBUM REVIEW: “Archive 2003-2006″ Department of Eagles

Department of Eagles
Archive 2003 – 2006
[American Dust]

2008’s In Ear Park is going to be one hell of an album to follow for the Department of Eagles. Easily surpassing all other releases that year, the album’s dense orchestrated pop is still ringing in my ears. So, facing this prospect, what would any clever band do instead? Bingo, retrospective!

Archive 2003 – 2006 celebrates all of the little minutia and lovingly-curated chamber pop that defined the pre-In Ear Park era. “While We’re Young” is a mini-pop masterpiece with unorthodox beauty while “Brightest Minds” closely trails with layer upon layer of distinct Pet Sounds-inspired orchestration and whimsical poetry.

So schlep yourself past the two or three tracks that amount to filler and closely explore the album’s sloping chords and boundless melody. Archive releases rarely do a talented band the justice they deserve, but in this case, the leftovers are just as gratifying as the main course.

Free Downloads:

“In Ear Park”
“No One Does It Like You”