The Grownup Noise – No Straight Line In the Universe
While the sound is not new & was popular in the ‘80s with varied groups (Belouis Some, Bourgeois Tagg, James, Prefab Sprout, Prayer Boat & China Crisis), this outfit has a nice touch with the layered vocals, laid back arrangements played with proficiency & even adding the colorful ‘60s stylizations of the Cowsills in “Anxiety.” What sets this unit apart from those other performers is the addition of stringed instruments in a light pop performance with the accent on vocalizations.
A tune like “Get Lost” has grains of the Steely Dan-inspired China Crisis that didn’t have vocals akin to the Dan but their own harmonic approach. But here, on The Grownup Noise selection, there’s a jazz progression that is strung together with enthusiasm. There are 11 explorations into this well-developed musical hothouse on No Straight Line In the Universe (Drops Feb 6/Independent/39:36) produced by Dan Cardinal & the group.
The catchiest tune comes with “Change Your Mind,” which doesn’t seem to go on long enough. Good melody, groove, & excellent vocals. However, for 2026, “Where’s K?” is a little unexciting with its samba beat & French café accordion flavor. Despite this, the song is not boring; it just sounds like it has speed but can’t take off. The most attractive part is the counter-vocal by a female singer. Nice framing around Paul Hansen’s vocals (guitar), which are often superb. The musicianship is marvelous. I guess the bottom line is – it’s going to be for selective tastes.
Much of the vocalization displayed is out of the “middle-of-the-road/easy listening school.” “Day Moon” is all female vocals (cellist Katie Franich) with jazzy jabs of sinewy guitar, determined Kyle Crane drums & all done creatively as well as propulsively. The songs are not drab; each has its own distillation. “Plaything” is a bit funkier with piano, disciplined drums, guitar fusions strumming with imagination applied to the arrangement & a cool vocal polish. This one is quite good. Enjoyable. Again, with the mannerisms of China Crisis & Prayer Boat.
The Boston band formed in 2005 & this is their 6th studio album of literate, oriented lyrical pieces with delicate precision. Their songs explore growing up, maturing, friendships, grief, resilience, & how we go from 15 to 50. An engaging musical journey. The rockiest tune is “Back To Me,” & surprisingly, they pull it off with skill.
Highlights –“Anxiety,” “Get Lost,” “Change Your Mind,” “Day Moon,” “Plaything,” “Back To Me,” & “Us Fools.”
Musicians – Adam Sankowski (bass/vocals) with Aine Fujioka & Todd Marston.
Front cover image courtesy of Marie Kinney-Milard. Color studio image courtesy of the band’s Facebook gallery. CD @ https://www.thegrownupnoise.com/