Sherwood - QU
13 Oct 2009
Interscope/MySpace Records
Review by Meghan Kearney

Five man indie rock band Sherwood from San Luis Obispo, CA, released their third studio album QU in mid October. Produced by Brad Wood (mewithoutYou, Say Anything). The album is chock-full of addicting and soothing pop beats. After months of build up regarding this new album, the band released their EP Not Gonna Love and three tracks from the album on their MySpace before finally releasing the whole package.

Opening with the beautifully sung a cappella track "Shelter" the men of Sherwood introduce their vocal talents. The record then shifts into "Maybe This Time" a stick clanking ballad about a little bit of luck. "Make It Through" houses an upbeat melody full of hand-claps. The hearty West Coast feel of the song adversely back the downtrodden lyrics and melancholy vocals of the song. Listeners will be left softhearted and inspired.

"Not Gonna Love" originally from the aptly titled EP, includes Calypso beats with an intensely beachy feel. Molly Jensen, singer/songwriter from Southern California makes an appearance on the acoustic "Worn." Her astounding female vocals blend in smoothly with lead singer Nate Henry's and give a soft touch to the all-male tones.

The album closes with the sorrowful "No Better," an emotional song about the split-up of parents written by guitarist Dan Koch. Told from a child's perspective the stirring lyrics "The tile is cold and the bathroom sink/ 'We'll split the days of the week between your father and me'/ The words burn climbing up my throat/ Craving some better place to go" ring of youthful sorrow. The track continues and closes with the apprehending lyrics "You're no better/You know you're no better than him."

QU is an album that was likely written entirely upon the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Through-and-through there is a feel of freedom and an inspiration to pick up and start dancing. And filled with pales of subtle emotions the album is also an uncontrived story of feeling.