Emo band's latest draws out some sincerity

An album with a song called "The Awful Truth of Loving" just begs for you to hate it. Oh, grow up. The booklet picture portrays Rainer Maria lead vocalist Caithlin De Marrais in a dress as if she were prepared to go to an art exhibit. Guitarist Kyle Fischer is wearing an ascot for crying out loud. But turn on the music and one hears the fancy-boy affectations dissolving after every listen. \nDe Marrais' voice is inescapable and charismatic. Producer Mark Haines probably realizes this too, so he puts the music in the background and highlights De Marrais' voice. Though for the record, the music stands out on its own amidst the often poetic lyrics, almost Albini-lite with its messy guitars and harsh rhythms. Emo still frightens people with its vulnerability and sincerity. The emo bands with stand-out reputations like The Get-Up Kids and The Promise Ring still really only have cult followings. While those bands seemingly emphasize their dedication to the music and their anonymity, Rainer Maria draws listeners with a little sincerity and a little smirk.