The Awkward Stage — Slimming Mirrors, Flattering Lights

There's just something inherently awkward about The Awkward Stage, and I think it's more than just the fact that "awkward" is in their name. Maybe it's because frontman and multi-instrumentalist Shane Nelken is also a cremationist and an actor. (What a weird combo!) Or maybe it's because of the strange song structures and mish-mashes on Slimming Mirrors, Flattering Lights. The Vancouver quartet's sophomore album starts simply and sweetly enough with "The Sun Goes Down On Girlsville," but takes an unflattering turn at the end of "Your Heart Serves Only You," where the brass section and building sound in the outro are incredibly cheesy. "Anime Eyes" is a catchy pop tune that goes on too long. "Hey, Modern School Girl" is an angry rant that slows down mid-song for a weird bridge, and then reverts back to its original upbeat tune, making for a tempo change that's totally off-putting. The album is filled with swerves like this, creating inconsistencies that just drag the entire thing down.