The Apples In Stereo: Her Wallpaper Reverie

After dusting off and revitalizing some of the best elements of '60s pop on its most recent album, Tone Soul Evolution, it might seem that The Apples In Stereo has gone to the dark side by releasing a, gasp, psychedelic concept album. Not to worry, however: As psychedelia goes, Her Wallpaper Reverie keeps its excesses to a minimum, and its concept—something about wallpaper, most likely—remains fairly unobtrusive. With many tracks reminiscent of Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd, Wallpaper suggests that Robert Schneider and company have inched past the "B" section of their record collections looking for inspiration. "Strawberryfire" may sound like a Revolver leftover, but other songs, both those with vocals and the haunted-nickelodeon instrumentals sandwiched between them, suggest a wider range of influences. At less than half an hour, Her Wallpaper Reverie has been dismissively dubbed a "mini-album," and does have the feel of a between-albums project, but there's still plenty to like here, including an enjoyable spotlight song, "Questions & Answers," for female member Hilarie Sidney. Even so, the spark that made Tone seem fresher than the sum of its sources flares up only sporadically, meaning Wallpaper will be best enjoyed by those who are already fans.