For all of the anticipation, it’s hard to believe that Can’t Talk Medicine is Pickwick’s first full-length album.  Before it was released on March 12, the band had already received some serious praise for its new set of songs from KEXP, SXSW and other acronymic fans. Praise is a new thing for Pickwick. In 2011, the band released Myths, a 7” that didn’t garner much attention. The tracks were recorded live in a living room and at some shows and therefore couldn’t brag of the high production quality that the band’s sound begs for.

Since then, Pickwick has rearranged, reengineered and revamped its sound and the result is pretty stunning. A few of the songs on the album are actually re-recorded from that original release and, coming from someone who is usually a sucker for the lo-fi, it’s impressive what a recording studio and some dollars can do for some.  Can’t Talk Medicine is an indie-soul fusion that has drive and passion – and a little bit of ambience. With Can’t Talk Medicine, Pickwick achieves grandiose vocals without being pretentious, mesmerizing structure without being contrived and quality production without being overproduced.  It’s a feat in renovation.  

Please don’t rat me out to the police, but when I first heard “Lady Luck” while driving I had to take my phone out to immediately find out what song was playing.  The track has this serenading chorus coupled with a bass line to just make your heart break. The lyrics are simultaneously antique and novel – they additionally repeat themselves just enough as to not get annoying while making you sing them long after the song itself is over.

Can’t Talk Medicine is pretty lyrically interesting throughout, in fact. Occasionally crude (though artful) lyrics come as a surprise next to a generally soulful sound. “Hacienda Motel,” arguably the album’s easiest single kicks off with “that whore she left you bloody on the hotel lobby floor.” Such lyrics might seem more suited for a languid or dark track, rather than the catchy tempo-drive single, but the duality is a fine homage to the band’s impossible-to-be-100%-cheery Seattle hometown. You’re making us proud, Pickwick.

Pickwick is now on a national tour and can boast of some pre-sold-out shows, which is not too bad for a band’s first-album release tour.  Check out the band’s official website to listen to Can’t Talk Medicine and keep tabs on their upcoming tour dates.