AMG Review of Everybody, Come Outside!

Andrew Leahey
All Music Guide

Pomegranates create an offbeat, arty brand of indie rock that relies heavily on atmosphere, presentation, and -- in the case of this sophomore album, which follows the band's debut by less than one year -- a conceptual story arc involving a boy's swim across the ocean and subsequent abduction by a time traveler. An odd premise, perhaps, but Everybody, Come Outside! revels in such a whimsical narrative, which the band supports with an equally quirky blend of pop-minded guitars and androgynous vocals. Pomegranates aren't fantastic musicians; rather, they're solid storytellers with a knack for delivery, adding little flourishes (including squawking seagulls, crashing waves, gang vocals, and a stomp-clap intro) whenever the plot calls for it. Guitarist Isaac Karns does the most impressive work here by adapting his guitar to a variety of contexts, from the 1950s sock-hop ambience of the title track to the echoing riffs of "Corriander." He also assumes lead vocals from time to time, proving a more masculine contrast to frontman Joey Cook's childlike voice, and his baritone range lends a sense of '80s elegance to songs like "Jerusalem Had a Bad Day." The album does have its flaws, particularly the indulgent "I Feel Like I'm a Million Years Old," which spins the same dreamy chord progression for upwards of 11 minutes (nearly a quarter of the record's entire length) with little dynamic change. Pomegranates may need some more time to ripen fully, but Everybody, Come Outside! will still be a treat to some palettes.