TERROR AT THE OPERA
Snake Bird Blue
Since forming, Terror at the Opera -- the duo of Gretchen Gonzales and Faith Gazic -- has taken shape like no other band in Detroit. In a climate this diverse, that's not saying anything specific; therefore the identity of the band has rested largely on Gazic's accordion. Snake Bird Blue is more a singles compilation than an official TATO release. Though not organized chronologically, its songs chart the band's development from moody guitar-and-accordion tinkering to polished compositions. In any era, TATO is anachronous -- too pop for their mythical, gypsy-esque past, yet far too theatrical for pop. They're at their best when they strike a balance between the poles, as on the whimsical, bouncing "Lovely Day," and when they deviate from any traditional song structure, most notably on instrumentals "Sailor Says Goodbye" and "Magic Dream." The latter is a brooding, accordion-driven dirge evocative of a fin-de-siecle café, while the former is a strange, sparse composition on toy piano that seems to dissipate into the mist. Unsurprisingly, considering the nature of the recording, production quality varies slightly with the tracks, though ultimately, the accordion and all of its dark implications coheres it. It's not ideal, but it's a fine introduction to TATO.

Reason to Buy: Oskar Kokoschka is coming over for dinner.

Best Listening Experience: "Lovely Day" and "Sailor Says Goodbye."

Natalie Haddad, Real Detroit Weekly, Vol. 6 #18