Mike Uva's new CD

Check out this great review of Shore Acres resident Mike Uva's new CD on http://www.coolcleveland.com:
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Where does he find the time? With a day gig in operations at local label Collectible Escalators, another as production assistant at a local alt-weekly, and the occasional foray into Mikey Machine's eclectic outfit Machine Go Boom, one would guess singer/songwriter Mike Uva's time is seriously strapped. It most certainly is, but every one in a while, Uva manages to release a slate of engaging avant-pop. Straddling the line between neo- and auteur-folk and stark, jangly pop, Uva and his band Hook Boy have perfected their sound on the 9-track release Static Songs, a mix of old and new material, Uva's last effort, 2004's Where Have You Been wasn't nearly as dark, dreamy and thoroughly engaging. This disc is worthy of even the most picky indie music fan -- offering a heart full of impact and world-weary melancholy, proving that every bit of three years was needed to complete it.

Uva's approach has been called "kitchen sink," but that clearly doesn't give him enough directional credit. Graced by tape loops, tambourines, electric piano and stunning lyrical narratives, Uva's work seems to have found a balance between stripped-back instrumental grace, purposeful intention and an intrepid flair for the quirky. I'll bet I'm not alone in thinking that the world could use a little lyric poetry he sings in "My Manifesto," ushering in a whole host of sharp ruminations from sleepless paranoids and lovers. "Hook Boy," "Magic Marker" and the set-closer "Reunion" comprise much of the reworked material, intermingling well with the new works. New cuts like the marooned "Starlight," "Para Guitarra" and "Flip Me Over!" pair 70s sonic swirl with introverted lyrical intention. All the tunes seem to support that need for reprieve that Stephe DK (of New Lou Reeds) intimates with the inside cover art. I won't spoil it for you.

Grant-Lee Phillips once said that everyone needs a little sanctuary. To wit, Mike Uva's Static Songs is exquisite... and just the ticket.

Visit Mike Uva & Hook Boy at Collectible Escalators' website: http://www.collectibleescalators.com
From Cool Cleveland Managing Editor Peter Chakerian peterATcoolcleveland.com