Album Reviews
- by Tom Dumarey
Remember Starter Jackets? They released a killer album last year called ‘Decisions’ that was just ridiculously slick and melodic. Lanny Durbin, one of the geniuses behind Starter Jackets and Attic Salt, is back now with Local Drags. And surprise surprise, it’s really good as well.
With the help of drummer Matt Sailor, this Springfield, IL duo cranks out ten slices worth of Midwestern power pop meet pop-punk with some 90ies alternative sounds thrown in for good measure. If that doesn’t sound like a tasty cocktail, I’m not sure what will. Think Cheap Trick, Replacements and The Copyrights rolled up into one. Just check out opening track ‘Can Probably Wait’, ‘Plot Holes’ or the equally catchy ‘500 Hours’. It’s non-stop riffs and melodies and all of them are good. Quieter moments come in the form of the acoustic ‘Double Bird’ and the Dinosaur Jr-like ‘Metal Gear Winter,’ both of which blend in nicely with the roaring guitars.
Shit’s lookin’ up? Hell yeah! Definitely with this album on full blast.
Track listing:
- Can Probably Wait
- Plot Holes
- Hidden Track
- 500 Hours Free
- Double Bird
- Trash Bones
- Michelob Ultra
- Water Wings
- Metal Gear Winter
- Local Drag
Lacking the talent to actually play in a band, Tom decided he would write about bands instead. Turns out his writing skills are mediocre at best as well.
