Key Note Speaker introduced themselves to Seattle's local pop scene in 2005 via Fiction, a pretty impressive collection of Jack Endino–produced tunes that managed to sound crisp and bright while still maintaining a sense of depth thanks to a few creative alternative rock and country twists. Fiction's catchy tunes secured the band's place as a local pop outfit, resulting in Key Note Speaker's appearance on bills with other indie rock groups such as Young Sportsmen, Some by Sea, and the Pale Pacific.

Now, a year later, it's time for the band to reestablish their relationship with the music community. Instead of springboarding off their previous pop reputation, Key Note Speaker give us The Musical, a collection of songs (recorded again with Endino) that step even further away from anything that could be defined as "power pop" (a term that has unjustly found its way into more than one KNS review).

The Musical's opener, "Overture (On the Prowl)," is a haunting and deeply sung track that may imply a more Alice in Chains–inspired "grunge" flavor is to follow. But in "Nightly News," the second track, the band subtly toys with melodies and keyboard, proving there's still some bright spirit at this album's heart.

The Musical continues to wade through darker territory, but that isn't to say there aren't some upbeat highlights that get the toes a-tappin'. "Please" is almost Smoking Popes–esque, and "The One I Always Call" is reminiscent of Pedro the Lion circa Winners Never Quit.

They may not be the kings of much in this town, but Key Note Speaker are moving inexorably toward a throne, albeit a self-created one.