SMART BROWN HANDBAG: Harry Larry

Smart Brown Handbag

Harry Larry

© 2006 Stonegarden Music (634479285875)

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Guitar Pop, pop, Pop

tracks

1 Clearing the Slate
2 Harry Larry
3 Stand Up
4 Sour Grapes
5 Sliver of Light
6 Coming On
7 Unlikely
8 I Love the Sun
9 Will Not Anymore
10 That Time
11 Let's Start

notes

The Los Angeles–based trio Smart Brown Handbag has been together for over 12 years, and Harry Larry marks their 10th independent release. This experience is evident from the beginning of the record as energetic drums circle around wailing electric guitars, synths and lead singer David Steinhart’s Brit-pop vocals.
Highlights include the self-deprecating title track (“Downtown in sillouette / Yeah I know it’s me getting in the way”) and the New Order-esque “Stand Up.” The orchestrated pop of “Sour Grapes” is another sure winner. “When I hear those children sing I will moan and cringe concurrently,” croons Steinhart as drummer John Glogovac and bassist Cindy Albon lay down a spunky, marching beat.
The music of Smart Brown Handbag pushes boundaries even as it sounds vaguely familiar. They’re the Beatles’ sarcastic older brother, they’re the Smiths on a happier day, and they’re just as stylishly crisp as their namesake. - Mare Wakefield, Performing Songwriter

On Harry, Los Angeles alt-rock trio Smart Brown Handbag joyfully ply dour melodies and dark atmospherics aplenty akin to such genre-defining '80s stalwarts as Concrete Blonde, The Smiths, The Cure and Depeche Mode. But this is no retro ride down memory lane. Singer/guitarist David Steinhart tempers his predictable suffering with glimmers of hope embedded in his steady baritone. Steinhart throws Ferry-by-way-of Dylan vocal twists throughout the verses of "Stand Up" just to emphasize that he's really okay. "Sour Grapes" a tale of self-doubt and woe, is the stuf of Ray Davies paranoia or perhaps Morrissey before he took himself too seriously. Handbag's secret weapon is drummer John Glogovac, who also doubles on keys. strings, found sounds and noises, afording Smart Brown Handbag a unique aura.
-Amplifier Magazine

It's hard to believe that this is the tenth LP in 13 years from this prolific, yet virtually unknown L.A. dreampop trio, who even seem to revel in their anonymity. Led by David Steinhart, formerly of 1980's band Pop Art, they make no promises of giant stylistic breakthroughs. But that's OK, for they continue to churn out gorgeous, well-crafted pop music, expertly produced by drummer John Glogovac. Buttressed by the potent rhythms of bassist Cindy Albon, SBH's songs are overflowing with chiming, shimmering, and swirling guitar tapestries, over which Steinhart croons his graceful soaring vocals. This LP is consistently excellent, making you thankful they've persevered. - The Big Takeover

reviews

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  • total pop brilliance with super smart lyrics & melodies
    author: hillary

    david steinhart continues to be among the most literary & lovely songwriters ever to be this obscure. "clearing the slate" & especially the transcendental title track, "harry larry," are among the most accomplished & lilting jangle pop songs i have ever heard (& i am sent nearly everything in the indiepop genre). what a triumph for this little band, whose production touches get more deft with each release. "i love the sun" is another complete & utter toe-tapper. if you like Belle and Sebastian, the Smiths, Clap Your Hands, et alia, you OWE it to yourself to audition this new LP. brilliant & the type of thing you don't burn out on cause it's TOO catchy; i marvell that SBH is not huge (yet). this could be the record that sends them through the stratosphere. Highly recommended.

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