CD review of The Makeshift Gentlemen's "Casanova"

This photo was taken at the CD release party for the Makeshift Gentlemen at The Bluebird in Saint Louis.  I am pictured here talking with bassist John Henselmeier after the show.

Casanova, the first major release of The Makeshift Gentlemen, will have you intrigued with the "Introduction."  With a synthetic Dracula-like organ tune, increasing in intensity the listener is brought into the sinister night world sound the album creates.

The track order seems to be purposively chosen in order to bring the listener into the industrial lyrically demented world of "Casanova."  Songwriter, lead singer and guitarist Joe Swigunski's emblematic lyrics drive the purpose of the album, that is, to get everyone moving.  The lyrics are richly symbolic when not taken for face value; the listener must wonder what was was going through Swigunski's mind when he penned the words.  "Casanova" remains mysteriously dark without being overtly satanic.

"Nighttime Projections" remains the most relatable and human track as it refers to the images the moonlight casts on objects in a child's room.  While a frightening image is painted, the brightly toned lyrics remind us that "everything's gonna be fine."  It could be a motivational tool as well, instructing listeners to "face your fears."

Synth and backup vocalist Jake Ferre's emo-like screams add urgency to the tale of Frankenstein being constructed in the title track "Casanova."  Ferree's instantly mind catching hooks give some tracks a slight 1980s throwback feel without taking away from the shadowy feel established by the whole album.

Bassist John Henselmeier gives depth to the sound of the album, without being overly flashly.  His depth of sound provides an excellent accompaniment to Swigunski's intense vocals.  Henselmeier's creative mind lends itself also to the album artwork.

Appropriately titles "Intermission" gives listeners a chance to see the amusing side of the Gentlemen.  You will not be able to listen to this track without moving - it serves as a mental break from the stories told through the intricate worlds invented in each song.  It also gives Swigunski a chance to showcase his inspired guitar riffs.  It's almost as the word 'dance' serves as a thesis statement and "Intermission" serves as a reminder about halfway through the album.  The playful laughs of the gents are included as an end to this enjoyable track.

Louis Brown's drums are a driving force throughout.  With technical skills abound, Brown adds stylistic additions.  The sweet but brief drum solo by Brown in "Juggernaut" seems to present the listener with only a taste of Brown's originality and powerful sound.  Brown's solid base provides the full sound that is necessary for a dance-track hit.  "Marathon Paving Machine" also provides Brown with the opportunity to demonstrate his organic sound, that is, effective fills that don't sound like a show-off addition.  

The album's ingenuity is also aided by some finishing touches, which came about during the recording process.  The most notable of the creative additions include the siren intro to "Giant Mechanical Spider," which serves as a warning to the listener to beware of the need to dance they might feel in the coming three minutes and 41 seconds.  The sound is evocative of a huge sci-fi metal spider marching down mainstreet, mashing everything in its way.

Parents too will enjoy this album, as there is only one indecipherable instance of an objectionable-to-some word.

Purchase "Casanova"on itunes or at The Makeshift Gentlemen's myspace page at www.myspace/themakeshiftgentlemen.com