I don’t know why or what it is, but now this is the second new band I’ve heard in a week who seems to have used Big Star as a template (and this has nothing to do with my obsessions). I can never see that as a bad thing; however, on this album, it is very obvious. What I can surmise about them is this: they hail from L.A., they’ve listened to a lot of “Radio City” and “3rd” and they know how to write those type of songs – very well. Lead singer Andy Creighton easily reminds you of Alex Chilton in many ways – sans the emotional upheaval (but with the sarcastic drawl), especially on “Call The Doctor”. The song structures, however, are more reminiscent of Chris Bell’s compositions (with and away from Big Star) – case and point, “Be Nice” – a slow, introspective rocker. “Candy” has a nice melody; gentle guitars with rich and full vocals, reminiscent of Michael Quercio from The Three O’Clock; a radio-friendly track. “I Met The Girl (I’m Gonna Leave You For)” has a great “Radio City”-type riff; “Stopping Somewhere” is another standout. The album is somewhat underproduced – these songs could leap out if there had been some more explosion and depth, especially with the rhythm section. Nonetheless, it still manages to hold the listener’s (my) interest. I would like to hear more.
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