A Fragile Tomorrow “It’s Better That Way”
This band has come a long way since 2016’s Make Me Over. Moving away from straight rock anthems, the band embraces modern alternative rock and experimental pop. The results are mixed, but exciting as well. The neo-prog opener “All Signs To Amsterdam” hums along to a very satisfying chorus, and all these tunes are densely packed with instrumentation.
Many highlights here; “Lost In Art,” “For An Eye,” and “Fraying Wire” are compelling modern pop — but you still have to deal with experiments like “System Generated Noise” or droning bores like “Another Club.” But more often this band does it right, like the Peter Gabriel feel of “Collapsed Cathothic.” This one is a grower, so check it out.
Dentist “Making A Scene”
This Asbury Park, New Jersey trio makes the most accessible punk pop. The engaging, sweet vocals of Emily Bornemann are countered by the aggressive punk riffs of Justin Bornemann on guitar and Matt Hockenjos pounding percussion. Like a mix of Blondie and Letters to Cleo with a touch of The Pixies, the songs are short, poppy bursts of energy.
Highlights include the catchy “New Dress,” “Don’t Let Me Catch You,” “Spilled Coffee,” and “The Pilot.” But it’s not all speed and melody, as the band does the slow building drama of “Maladies” (Yeah, this one’s a lot more like The Pixies) and takes an acoustic breather with the ballad “Thin Ice.” No filler here, and highly recommended.
The Click Beetles “Emerald Green”
Dan Pavelich and Van Dyke Brown return with a decidedly more 80’s sound. The opener “Modern Girl” felt more like Katrina & The Waves, with Dan’s vocals over the frantic beat. The energy keeps up “With Tears” and it s a fun danceable party tune, and guest Andrea Perry delivers her ethereal vocal to “Natalie Would.”
However, Dan’s double-tracked, warbling vocals sound very over-processed throughout. When the music gets more psychedelic like on “View of You,” the vocals fit much better. If you can get past that issue you’ll find plenty of good songs, like the jangling “Goodbye Margot.” Definitely, music that deserves to be heard.