Out of lonely living comes fiction, and from living lonely comes Writer. Recorded with precision and clarity at Warren Studio and mixed by Jared Hankins (of Menomena fame), Cover Your Tracks sounds like a debut should: every strength is highlighted and complimented by the crisp production values and warm procession of ideas. The San Diego three-piece comprised of Andy Ralph, James Ralph, and Matthew Fredrich recorded Cover Your Tracks in 2005 and 2006, and judging from their extensive recording journals, the process pared down to three friends and their instruments was both sleepless and restful. Likewise, the sparse, stark artwork by Christopher Puzio framed cover to cover reflects the bare and occasionally brittle melodies contained within, again contributing to the concise, thoughtful layout. Piece by piece, the image is alarmingly intricate, the words written on sleeves inked from hearts long left there.

Clearly influenced by Pedro the Lion and Starflyer 59 (as far as their journals lend such an impression), Writer makes each song coast with a lazy struggle that, if anything, demonstrates that each part was picked with care. Light dabbles of electronic percussion and keys recall Decibully and, to some extent, Earlimart, although Writer’s music is much more lethargic and contemplative than either band has attempted yet.

On “Make Us Proud,“ Writer turn tender, introducing the album on a sunny sweetness riding a low. Bazan‘s influence is quite clear here, as well as on tracks like “The Pollution” and “Write One Down,” songs that could’ve easily come from It’s Hard to Find A Friend or Control.

When they stretch their limbs a bit and try on new hats, the results are just as good. For example, on “Who Are You After (If It’s Not Me),” a steady drumbeat leads an acoustic guitar hand-in-hand through melodious keys like chimes. Likewise, closer “I Think She Died” lingers like a haunting memory, remorseful like Elliott Smith at his best.

Overall, Cover Your Tracks is an excellent debut, and even better considering its lo-fi production and independently-published charm. Definitely an overlooked gem from the past year, Writer has worked a certain gentle magic on Cover Your Tracks.

***

Album: "Cover Your Tracks"
Publication: Independent Clauses
Reviewed By: Stephen Carradini, Editor-in-chief
Date: 4/9/2007
Website: www.independentclauses.com

Writer has a lot invested in Cover Your Tracks.Even though this is a self-released disc, the artwork is more eyecatching, snazzy and professional than most small indie labels can afford to create. It actually calls to mind the bizarre yet cool artwork from Coldplay's A Rush of Blood to the Head, although Writer exercises more restraint than Coldplay did on its singles and live album with similar art themes.

That's where the similarities to Coldplay stop, though. Writer is a sleepy-eyed indie-pop band in the vein of Grandaddy (more well known) and Meryll (more accurate). It falls squarely into a genre that I coined last month: Rainy Day Makeout Music. It's got all the characteristics: shuffling, slow-moving, lush, full, and beautiful. But where many RDMM bands fall into the homogeneity-inspiring trap of "mood is all," Writer deftly sidesteps the pit and makes a clean getaway.

Instead of each song sounding like the last, the members of writer made a great effort to distinguish between songs. Whether it be the captivating near-silent break of "Write One Down," the excellent acoustic guitar ditty that permeates "Friend," the "sun breaking through the clouds" guitar melody of "Four Letters," or the extremely Meryll-esque sliding guitar lines of "Make Us Proud," the members of Writer have immaculately crafted each of these tunes to stand on their own but still flow perfectly in the context of an astonishingly well-paced album.

Those four songs I name-checked? They're the first four real songs on the album (after the intro). The rest of the album unfolds in similarly exciting fashion, unveiling song after memorable song of guitar-based indie-pop with wonderfully fitting vocals and enough pop hooks to make a fish squirm. This album does not cease to amaze, whether it's in the buzzing synths and surrounding background vocals of "The Pollution," the change-in-mood moroseness of "My Thoughts on the Subject," the stripped-down acoustic winner "Lesson Number Four" (a highlight on the album), the poignant and moving "Title track part two" (another highlight), or in spare, downtempo closer "I Think She Died."

Yes, this album succeeds on all levels. In fact, everything this album attempts to accomplish, it succeeds at. This is indie-pop of the highest order - completely refreshing, exhilarating and comforting. I would love to see the three men of Writer play a show - it sounds like it would be a cathartic, revelatory experience. And really, that's why Writer put so much effort into making their website better than most signed bands' - they're good enough to deserve such treatment.

I hope that those mourning the loss of Grandaddy will look in Writer's direction and exalt them as the next great band to follow. I know I'm already on board.

Stephen Carradini
April 2007

***

Album: "Cover Your Tracks"
Publication: Exoduster.com
Reviewed By: Brian (aka, the Professor)
Date: 7/1/2007
Website: www.exoduster.com

By the end of the second song “Make Us Proud,” your main thought is ‘how the hell aren’t these guys signed somewhere fabulous? It must be a Clap Your Hands’ approach, that’s the only rationale.’ What you get from the twelve-song Cover Your Tracks is stargazing indie rock that kicks the Silverlake crowd in the ass with compelling riffs, melodies, and the right dosing of electronic enhancements. Though this San Diego three-piece should have passed with the filler opening track – “title track part one” – “Make Us Proud” bandages the damage and you are soon off additionally enjoying such standouts as “Four Letters,” the whispering “Friend,” and the jangly “The Pollution.” Get your hands on Cover Your Tracks for something that might become huge.

***

Album: "Cover Your Tracks"
Publication: San Diego Troubadour
Reviewed By: Mike Alvarez
Date: 7/1/2007
Website: www.sandiegotroubadour.com

Writer is a local band comprised of Andy Ralph on vocals and guitar; James Ralph on guitar, percussion, synthesizer, and vocals; and Matt Fredrich on drums. I must confess that when I first played this CD I was prepared not to like it as the opening track unfolded. 'Title Track Part 1' is an odd combination of electronic sounds and acoustic guitar strumming underneath a simple vocal line, and I just did not get it. Yet in the spirit of being objective, I forged onward and was immediately rewarded by the second tune 'Make Us Proud.' This very engaging song could very well find a home on a Tom Petty album with its bouncy mid-tempo rhythm and deliberate guitar parts. The occasional electronic effects actually sound pretty good here. In fact, this one song immediately had me re-evaluate the first one. Armed with more of a context to place it in, it was easier for me to understand how it fits into the grand scheme of Writer's sound. When it reprises later as 'Title Track Part 2,' this becomes more apparent.

Certain songs that stand out immediately. 'Friend' sounds simple but actually develops into something more interesting. A repeating synthesizer riff complements the melody. As the song fades, it's the only thing left standing, making for a very dramatic coda. 'The Pollution,' an up-tempo song with big hooks, reminds me of vintage Jackson Browne with its melody, arrangement, and even the lead vocal. 'My Thoughts on the Subject' has a big Springsteen-esque intro and then turns into a quirky alternative pop number that takes some unexpected twists and turns.

'Title Track Part 2' is an extended take on the opening number, which dispenses with Sputnik effects. It starts simple and builds into a dense mix of multi-layered guitars and rhythm section. The album closer, 'I Think She Died,' is a melancholy waltz with a calliope feel. It is here that the group's signature mix of the acoustic and technological realms comes to its logical fruition.

Interestingly enough, as one listens to more of this CD, one frequently hears points of artistic reference. A little Tom Petty here, a bit of Jackson Browne there, some U2 vibe in a few guitar and drum licks - but it doesn't 'feel' like any of them. They have taken their influences and used them to create a sound original enough to be unique. Their songwriting is very clever and their production style makes every note count.

Writer plays and sings with a remarkable restraint that places the songs first. The arrangements are spacious, leaving room for the songs to breathe, which has the added benefit of letting the listener hear how all of the instrumental and vocal parts work together. While this is a strength, I sometimes got the impression that they could have turned up the intensity a few notches. Nevertheless, they have meticulously crafted a sonic vision that is at once catchy, idiosyncratic, and ultimately quite satisfying.


***

Album: "Cover Your Tracks"
Publication: Somther Magazine
Reviewed By: j -Sin
Date: 1/28/2007
Website: www.smother.net

Dainty melodies that correlate to direct infused harmonies and discordant thoughts are but one reason and purpose that Writer puts to task on “Cover Your Tracks”. Unlike the ‘cya’ (cover your ass) perception that perhaps the album title evokes, “Cover Your Tracks” is a coffeehouse wonderment that boasts bright and clear vocals married with neat and clean guitars with song arrangements that are not only clever but sublime. This is an album that Wilco would boast of listening to and Grandaddy would claim as their own. Americana that isn’t obnoxious or obvious.

***

Album: "Cover Your Tracks"
Publication: San Diego City Beat
Reviewed By: Sohrob Nikzad
Date: 3/28/2007
Website: www.sdcitybeat.com

It hardly seems fair to include this CD in the "Great Demo Review." Cover Your Tracks sounds like a professionally recorded, mixed and mastered album, complete with 12 tracks and nice packaging. Still, I’d never heard of them before, and that’s the point of this whole thing: to give all the hidden gems some face time. Mostly acoustic with an ethereal vocal sound, Writer does a good job of playing it mellow, but I like them best when they’re just slightly more distorted and upbeat.


***

Album: "Cover Your Tracks"
Publication: Oregon Voice Magazine
Reviewed By:Eric Weilbacher
Date: 10/24/2006
Website: www.oregonvoice.com

I must first say, for the sake of full disclosure, that writer (the band, that is) is collectively, apparently, one huge fan of the Oregon Voice. That said, I probably shouldn’t write much of a pooh-poohing review of them. And I really can’t, because their debut album, cover your tracks, is a fine example of some great mellow rock. If the reader (not writer, hee hee) is seeking some sort of categorization for this trio, it would fall somewhere on the post-grunge, crooning-melodic rock side of the amalgamation of music we all call indie rock, as opposed to the new-new wave side of the indie rock spectrum. And crooners they are. At times it gets a little cheesy, but for the most part they keep it tasteful. And independent they are- - these true West Coasters managed to record and produce this album independently at Warren Studios in Casa de Chula and Electrokitty in Seattle. Keeping with indie rock’s emerging form, they leave out the bass, with the second guitar player occasionally using a synthesizer when necessary. Check them out the next time they roll through Eugene. Hear some of their music at writermusic.com. “Make Us Proud,” “Four Letters,” and “Write One Down” are the highlights of this great work.

***

Album: "Cover Your Tracks"
Publication: The Coast News
Reviewed By: Lacy Ottenson
Date: 10/1/2007
Website: www.thecoastnews.com

When I first received this CD, I half expected to hear what you usually hear from bands these days — four-chord guitar riffs, verse chorus verse. But not these guys from San Diego — layers, emotion, and ambience are the things Writer is made of. This is not a band that woke up one day, plugged in a guitar and decided to make a record. Much more thought was put into this album. Brothers Andy Ralph (vocals, guitar) and James Ralph (guitar, synth), and drummer Matthew Fredrich come together to form a unique sound that echoes influences like Elliot Smith and Wilco. Check out www.writermusic.com to listen to the album. I recommend “Make Us Proud” and “Who Are You After (If It’s Not Me).”

***

Album: "Cover Your Tracks"
Publication: IndeMusicMatters.com
Reviewed By: C.W. Ross
Rating: 7.35 (Scale 1-10)
Date: 9/1/2006
Website: www.indiematters.com

This CD from the band was made between May 2005 and July 2006 which seems like a long time to put an album together.

The resulting music though proves that the time was well spent. The band manages to meld together Indie, Modern and even Folk Rock to form a somewhat unique and definitely interesting sound.

The twelve tracks found on this CD manage to create a strong flow intermixing melodic folk styled songs followed by rocking guitar driven modern rock ones.

The band also uses synthesizer sounds to add little nuances and mood effects to the songs.

The song's vocals have a good crisp clean feel to them while still retaining a slight bit of a gritty edge that fits well with the release's overall tone.

I also like the fact that the band didn't try to over polish the releases final sound. I like the little raw edges like those found on the track "Friend," with its guitar strings noises.

The CD's song lyrics deal a lot with all aspects of life and human emotions.

Overall this is a very respectful release and should appeal to anyone looking for something just a little bit different from the normal in the Folk/Modern Rock genre of music.