Album Reviews

- by Nate Hennon

Before listening to anything The Smith Street Band had to offer, I assumed, based on their name, they would be a bunch of dudes banging on trash can lids singing old Morrissey songs. I am happy to report these assumptions were completely wrong.

The Smith Street Band's latest release, "More Scared of You Than You Are of Me," may share some lyrical tone with the 'Pope of Mope,' but there is little 'trash can' in their album. Despite the noticeable absence of wastebins, The Smith Street Band's approach to Punk-Americana music by way of Australia is quite infectious. The band hits hard but is not afraid to slow down. Each of their 12 songs gets better with each additional listen. And, as many of you could guess by my rating, it is a well-sequenced album.

Similarly to a rapper at the top of their game, Will Wagner's vocal cadence and ability to deliver a cavalcade of words kept this listener engaged throughout each song. There is just so many words he machine guns at you that require repeat listens to just catch everything (very clever device for repeat rotations). Also, it doesn't hurt that he has a lovely accent when he sings, which automatically makes my ignorant American ears feel charmed.

Track listing:

1. Forrest
2. Birthdays
3. Death To The Lads
4. Song For You
5. Passiona
6. Run Into The World
7. Shine
8. 25
9. It Kills Me To Have To Be Alive
10. Suffer
11. Young Once
12. Laughing (Or Pretending To Laugh)