No Gimmicks, Just Talent

Not often enough, a CD crosses my desk that serves to remind me why I love this job. You know the kind: The music sparkles, challenges you and begs for repeated listenings. It is unique, nothing like the predictable (read: dull) commercial fare that dominates the airwaves these days.

August Burning’s new “Seabound Fool” is that kind of disc.

The Newport Beach-based quintet showed promise on its 1995 self-titled debut, a swirling, guitar-and-keyboard-based sound scape that supported the abstract, often tortured laments of lead singer and lyricist John List. Even then, one could admire the group’s unfolding vision and drive, with soul-searching and spiritual awakening its thematic cornerstone.

With the more fully realized “Seabound Fool,” August Burning has taken a significant stride forward. Much of List’s subject matter hasn’t changed--he still focuses on lofty matters, such as the search for strength, forgiveness and redemption. But he balances his hopeful idealism with realism. Dark obstacles--mainly personal demons like rage, self-doubt and temptation--bring depth and complexity to the music.

In “Sew,” for example, List sings: “There’s a face in that fire/A place of desire/take me there.” He sells such poetic imagery through his convincing delivery, an urgent mixture of howls, moans and desperate pleas. His search for truth--or at least a single moment of revelation--often exceeds his grasp. But it’s certainly a worthy quest.

There’s only one narrative song on “Seabound Fool,” an excellent, gender-bending saga titled “Drag.” Recalling Al Stewart’s sadly overlooked “Almost Lucy,” this tale of sexual ambiguity finds a man reflecting on his inevitable moment of truth: “He turns the key, unlocks his mind/Does she see that he swings that way?/What if she really knew him, would she run away?”

Not to be overlooked, though, is the broadened musical palette that makes “Seabound Fool” such a delight. Along with the group’s rock ‘n’ roll foundation--particularly the Edge-like guitar textures of James Wagner--a folksy mix of acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, accordion and cello bring a rootsy, Band-like, Americana feel to the project.

From Wagner’s meaty guitar solos (“Sugar Ride,” “For You”) to some unexpected, pop-like vocal harmonies (“Inner”) to stark (“Promised Moons”) or lush (“Arsenic Wine”) arrangements, August Burning is now capable--and seemingly comfortable--working in a variety of styles. The one selection where it all comes together splendidly is the title track, an anthem-like gem that graduates from a slow-building, mysterious opening to its ferocious, emotionally cleansing climax.

August Burning has no gimmicks. Forget about MTV. None of these songs will garner radio airplay. It’s just five talented, thoughtful guys playing with a deeper sense of purpose. Sometimes, that’s enough.

(Available at Orange County Tower Records locations or via the band’s Web site, https://www.hallucinet.com/ august--burning. Band hotline: [714] 356-3560).

* August Burning performs unplugged Sept. 12 at Barnes & Noble, Metro Pointe, 901B South Coast Drive, Suite 150, Costa Mesa. 8 p.m. Free. (714) 444-0226. Also appearing Oct. 17 with the Smithereens at the Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano. 8 p.m. $17.50-$19.50 (949) 496-8930.

Ratings range from * (poor) to **** (excellent), with *** denoting a solid recommendation.