[03.03] The Pacific Northwest never ceases to produce some of the best indie rock on a consistent basis. It has a track record that will match up with any other place in the country. Just take a look at its resume: Nirvana, Modest Mouse, Built to Spill, Death Cab For Cutie, etc. Even now, while the bulk of the indie scene's attention seems to be on the Mid West and New York, good bands from the region are producing worthwhile efforts. Take Portland's The Standard, for example. They only formed in 1999, but their sophomore output, August, is a bold statement for a band from an area that has recently seemed relatively quiet.

The exterior as well as the interior of the CD conveys a sense of grief and bleakness. And, to be honest, the first track, "A Year of Seconds," sort of goes along with these feelings. It is a bit moody and slow, though pretty, especially after the warm and fuzzy keyboard sound kicks in. But it doesn't take long for August to show its diversity as the second track, "The Five-Factor Model," starts off with some eerily pleasant keyboard sounds as Tim Putnam's shaky voice abrasively rattles off blocks of seemingly abstract words. The song has numerous changes that make me think of Radiohead, the Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse, among others. "Bells to the Boxer," which is lyrically a heavy tune filled with a range of moods thanks to some beautiful guitar and keyboard work, is as epic as anything that the band's American contemporaries have produced in recent years. Other songs of note are "Paper," which is dominated by a xylophone and brushed drumming and sounds like it could have fit onto an album by Tortoise (instrumentally) or Sparklehorse (vocally), and the finale, "The Quiet Bar."

Overall, August has a grandiose feel, which is rare for a relatively new band. The songs all seem to relate to each other, but have distinctive qualities that set them apart. What really makes this CD standout is the incredible dynamics, melodies and textures as well as the emotionally charged singing of Putnam. Together, these elements form a sonic gem that may sound familiar in certain aspects, but is nonetheless a powerful and inspiring beginning for what could be one of the next indie rock staples.  —Matthew