Review: Eureka Gold - Land of Imaginary Suffering

By Lily Linquata

Nashville's Eureka Gold -- namely Buddy Hughen, Jordan Lehning, Adam Gold, Adam White, and Eli Beaird -- couldn't have asked for a better time, place, or social circle to incubate their career as a band. Though unsigned, they're hardly unfamiliar with the industry and have, instead, shared the stage as backing musicians with some of Tennessee's most up-and-coming acts. Buddy plays [a potentially Johnny Corndog strapped] guitar with the evermore endearing Tristen, while Jordan dabbles with a talented-when-scorned Caitlin Rose.

The debut album, Land of Imaginary Suffering, self-released on April 14th, is -- in a word -- inspired. Nearly each of the eleven tracks suggests a different era or artist, all while owning a unique and full sound. With an inexplicably haunting aura, the tracks saunter through moments which call to mind artists like Dr. Dog,  The Shins, Telekinesis, and -- of course -- Tristen. "Fever Dream" features the latter's leading lady's unmistakable voice and stylized songwriting nuances in the vexing chorus. Perhaps most impressively, "65 Wives" is reminiscent of The Beatles. Lilting vocals in the tip-top of their collective range carries the song along at a cozy canter.

And yet, despite the momentary comparisons, nothing feels misplaced, contrived, or tired about Land. On the contrary. The album is laced with subtle, distinct intricacies that establish EG as a cohesive, tightly branded batch. "Wayward," the second track, showcases a big, bouncy, and layered sound while neither shattering nor challenging any already conventional notions of how to write a great song. "Holly" offers a pleasant chord progression which is familiar -- you'll be humming along, on key, before the first chorus is out -- but not trite.

Eureka Gold - Wayward

In fact, Land is one of those albums with which one day, miraculously, without trying, and before you know it, you'll be singing along; inflecting every word, steering-wheeling every last drum beat. Though that's not to say there isn't something significant happening with the songwriting. Catchy? Yes, absolutely. But well thought-out and -- if by association only -- musically valid. Lyrics, not always discernible or straightforward, are nostalgic, if not melancholy. The two vocalists of the group have clear, interesting tones which blend together in awesome harmony, making any song about how the day forgets the night sound far less ominous or sad.

It's apparent that Eureka Gold is comprised of a very busy group of gents. Even their MySpace page isn't up-to-date with the latest tracks and so you'll have to head over to iTunes to preview Land of Imaginary Suffering. A fun album for the very-much-here Spring.