The Postmarks Issue #38

By-the-Numbers (Unfiltered)

By Emily Becker
Published: December 1st, 2008 | 12:00am

By-the-Numbers succeeds because the Postmarks keep things light and are not burdened by the concept — or bound by the history behind the songs. Tim Yehezkely’s vocals sweep the listener along in the melodic cloud created by bandmates Christopher Moll and Jonathan Wilkins.

When choosing covers, the Postmarks drew from a wide range of musical styles, and were not afraid to “postmark” songs that others had made classic. Not surprisingly, the songs that change the most really stand out. These include a near ambient version of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds”; the delicate, never creepy, reinterpretation of the Cure’s “Six Different Ways”; and the tricked-out horn section on the almost unrecognizable version of the Byrds’ “Eight Miles High.” Other tracks, like Bowie’s “Five Years,” the Ramones’ “7-11,” and the instrumental “Slaughter On Tenth Avenue” by the Ventures are easier to recognize. It’s only when the originals are retraced too closely, as on the Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Nine Million Rainy Days,” that the Postmarks cease to entertain.

The trio created a youthful but timeless record which stands on the shoulders of well-chosen giants. While fans of the band’s debut still await a sophomore release, By-the-Numbers fills the void with lush orchestral pop that is pure Postmarks.

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