A Eugene super-group of sorts, The Visible Men have been making a name for themselves on the local scene with their mix of jazzy instrumental interplay, pop song craft and moody ballads. Including some of the hardest-working musicians in town, trio Dustin Lanker, Dan Schmid and Jordan Glenn has put together another collection of keyboard-driven pop with their sophomore effort, “Love:30.”
The album further reveals the group’s considerable promise but doesn’t quite fulfill it. The songs are well-crafted and engaging, though the lyrics are often stilted — when they register at all — and the occasional dynamic rhythm and stylistic shifts make the album sound more confused than eclectic.
That aside, “Love:30” holds much value for the patient listener. The musicians all work at the top of their abilities and the occasional appearance by other members of the Eugene music scene (including Zoot Horn Rollo, who adds some nice Jerry Garcia-style grooves to “Paper Cup”) helps loosen up the piano/bass/drum arrangements on a few tracks.
Despite its faults, the album still works as a pleasant and occasionally groovy collection of jazz influenced pop ballads. I would hate to be any other band in town if The Visible Men ever hit their stride.
— Ryan Nyburg