Roman Evening - Tiny Ladies
(Bitter Stag)
Throughout recorded time, those with regular jobs have been responsible for some pretty interesting art. Charles Ives laid foundations for modern composition while day timing as a businessman. Franz Kafka worked in insurance while writing some of the most important fiction of the 20th Century. So, there is a well-worn tradition of great art created in the midst of bourgeois existence. In some cases, tame occupations are a source of financial and mental stability, in others they are embraced and given new meaning by the artist. Adam Klein, author and main proponent of Roman Evening, has drawn from his experiences as a caseworker for the State of California as the basis for Tiny Ladies, the follow-up to Together Now.
Tiny Ladies is a musical adaptation of an award-winning novel by Klein of the same name. Klein's lyrics drift along and alternately jab the listener, showing the talent of a seasoned writer. Klein's voice starts out strong. Accompanied by partner Michael Mullen's piano, keyboard and guitar arrangements, the album's opening vocal-led track 'Casework' is magical. Klein's lyrics directly draw from his profession, but also allude to something more, "You come looking for God at the desk/ Judgment never rendered in this bureaucratic mess." Unfortunately, after the strong start, something goes wrong. By 'Hook of Doubts' the dreaded mediocrity, or bureaucracy in Klein's case, begins to take over. On 'Song for the Ashes' Roman Evening end up sounding overly dramatic with their use of piano.
Tiny Ladies is an immediate, accessible pop record, but it seems as though Roman Evening were aiming for more. Everything fits together well, has been well considered, but the music lacks a spark. While Klein's lyrics are often touching, his melodies never seem to match his literary aspirations. With the exception of a few tracks, Klein and Mullen patch together a set of relatively tedious melodies, and the lyrics often float by unnoticed. Overall, Roman Evening have produced a well-conceived and executed project, but should probably not submit their pink slips just yet.
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