The Polyphonic Spree
Yes, It's True (Good Records)
Reviewed by Melanie Haupt, Fri., Aug. 9, 2013
The Polyphonic Spree
Yes, It's True (Good Records)Thirteen years have flown since the Polyphonic Spree touched off its confetti cannon into the cultural consciousness. A thousand soiled robes later, Dallas' symphonic pop choir unveils its fifth full-length, Yes, It's True, an inconsistent collection of life-affirming pop that lurches uncomfortably like a 50-year-old twerking at a bar mitzvah. All the characteristics of a Spree disc remain, including blatting brass notes ("Popular By Design"), and a funky homage to David Bowie, the band's champion and mentor ("Heart Talk"). There's demonstrable maturity in instrumental arrangements coupled with a nostalgic nod toward frontman Tim DeLaughter's Tripping Daisy ("Blurry Up the Lines"). Yet there's also a painfully earnest vapidity undercutting the whole LP. "Hold Yourself Up" sounds like it belongs on an animated children's show, while ballad "You're Golden" finds DeLaughter decrying the trappings of culture: "It's not your phone with an i/It's not your Facebook likes/It's not your Instagram bride." Oof.
