CD of The Week

CROONeR - Catarina EP (Nice)

Did you know that before there was Silversun Pickups, there was CROONeR? SSPU drummer Christopher Guanlao was making his own music under that name before connecting with Brian Aubert and forming one of our favorite bands of the last two decades. In recent years, he decided to revisit his solo project, collaborating with SSPU drum tech and multi-instrumentalist Frankie Siragusa to record a five-song EP, named after his late sister Catarina.

The five-song EP kicks off with the sleek, driving alt-rock of “Kick and Snare’ (what else would a drummer name their lead single?). Much of the Catarina EP recalls Death Cab for Cutie, especially their lush, layered production with former member Chris Walla. “The Film Had Nothing to Say” is a very DCFC-esque emo ballad that takes off halfway through and soars. “This Sobering War” and “T As In Tsunami” also fit into this same, sonically intriguing vibe.

With only five songs, CROONeR’s EP doesn’t overstay its welcome and is a solid, respectable debut. To learn more about CROONeR, check out Josh T. Landow’s interview with Christopher On Demand.
Review by Joey O.