Detailed and handcrafted pop hooks dominate this Michigan-based foursome, produced by Andy Thompson. The opening track “Secondary Players” typifies the groups sound which combines dense 70’s styled pop of Supertramp and the harmonies of The Carpenters, with a bit of Queen’s guitar theatrics sprinkled in for good measure. But lead singer Zach Curd doesn’t sit still here. Each song offers up a slightly different style with bandmates Dave Lawson (guitar), Adam Kempa (drums), and Will Yates (bass). This is a fine pop pastiche that continues with the very 80’s pop sounding “Coerce” reminding me of Toy Matinee and Squeeze. The song ends with toy piano and sweet harmonic choruses – it’s an excellent track. The following song “Never Got The Breaks” is a full biography set to music a la Ben Folds or even Adam Marsland, and it’s another stunner. This approach works again with “Someone Who Would Understand.” The entire album shares a quirkyness with Tally Hall in that every song is swoon-worthy and has undeniable energy. Except this is the work of experienced musicians, and thus much better. The lyrics are clever and the instrumentation goes everywhere (so it never gets stale and invites multiple listenings). Each song is so dense with ideas, it may appear overwhelming to the unprepared (as with a Bryan Scary album). As a final treat the last track “You’ve Won The Lottery” is a smooth sonic coda that would fit nicely on 10cc’s “How Dare You” album, with a circus organ ending that fades into the synth keyboard beat. Showcasing the talents of three songwriters, the album is carefully buffed to an overly theatrical shine. Add this one to your top 10 list.
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Listen to “House of Books”