[image-4]Published June 12, 2008.
Culture Reject
Culture Reject
(White Whale Records)
Culture Reject is the solo project of Toronto musician Michael O’Connell, formerly of Guelph band Black Cabbage. Culture Reject comes from a realm of quiet, quirky indie-pop and brings in a host of impressive assistance, including Jim Guthrie as a backup instrumentalist and Andy Magoffin, producer for the Constantines and Great Lake Swimmers. Songs alternately show influences of blues, salsa, pop, folk and carousels; there’s an ethereal quality to the whole album. O’Connell is an accomplished musician and the tracks here are carefully crafted. Although nothing quite jumps out, it’s a good soundtrack to a rainy afternoon or quiet spring night.
Laura Kenins
categories: Canadian artist
This article appears in Jun 12-18, 2008.