Looking for something upbeat that will get you moving? Right from the start you can tell April Smith’s album is exactly what you’re looking for. Her first message: “I just want to mean something to you”. Well she can rest easy on that front, because she definitely makes herself relevant with her unique style. The title of the album is appropriate, for each new song makes me visualize choppy seas and that sinking ship. For that matter, the band’s full name “April Smith & The Great Picture Show is also very appropriate. From the five players who make the sound of a full band come music so rich with imagery that it’s hard to not have a picture show running through your head. The pace slows down a bit with “Dixie Boy,” but even this slower song has a certain drive behind it. The album never gets boring or feels dragged out (although the drastic change from the first few tracks to “Beloved” is a bit of an adjustment. There is a final upswing with the last two tracks though, going back to more of what we were first introduced to. Overall the record is thoroughly enjoyable (and if you buy the physical album actually looks like a miniature record. It is obvious that while April Smith might look young, she has an old school vibe about her. This makes her even more fascinating to me. I have heard the band is very good live, so my recommendation is to buy the album and see how you like it, then go take in a live show. I don’t think you will be disappointed.
April Smith & The Great Picture Show’s next live performance will be Aug 11th at le Poison Rouge.