THE MOONSTATION HOUSE BAND

"Chicago native David Vandervelde obviously likes doing things his way -- why else would he play almost every single instrument heard on his full-length debut, 2007's The Moonstation House Band? While whirring electronics play a significant role in the proceedings, Vandervelde's Marc Bolan-esque vocals add an interesting spin on the whole one-man-band angle. A modern day T. Rex would be a fitting description overall, especially on the album-opening rocker, "Nothin' No," as well as the spacey ballad, "Feet of a Liar" (which sounds straight off of Tanx). Elsewhere, "Jacket" shows that Vandervelde has a pop sweet tooth, while he puts on his boogie woogie shoes for "Wisdom from a Tree." Marc Bolan reincarnated? It comes pretty darn close on The Moonstation House Band." Greg Prato