Aaron Fox & the Reliables started as a collaboration between Aaron Fox, guitarist and singer/songwriter, and guitarist Mike Burns. Influences here are REM, Wilco, Crowded House, and Tom Petty and the album takes off with the jangle pop of “Over Again” similar to the Gin Blossoms. “False Alarm” continues the catchy standard rock vibe and “Get Down” sounds closer to those nineties indie college bands I loved back in the day. The production and musicianship are both first class here. A real gem buried in the middle of the album is the bouncy “Too Tired For Sleep,” with a great chorus and strong guitar solo during the break. Unfortunately Fox’s vocals aren’t that distinguished and the remaining songs don’t have the hooks required to hold my attention, much less repeat listens. The Midwestern roots stylings dominate the albums second half, and a few songs drag on over five minutes. This band has a lot of potential, so I think some classic rock enthusiasts will be more forgiving than I am. A noteworthy debut.
