Album Reviews

Chicago’s Take The Reins recently released their debut album ‘Addiction By Subtraction,’ a solid collection of 12 punk rock songs with plenty of rock ‘n roll swagger and even some country twang.

For some reason Courtney Boyers’ vocal delivery reminded me of Gwen Stefani, albeit with a slightly deeper voice. I think it’s something about the way she phrases things. Anyway, she has a knack for knocking big melodic hooks out of the park, while the rest of the band makes sure they pack the songs with plenty of punch. The fact that everything sounds all nice and crispy thanks to Dan Precision, who also stepped in on bass for the recording sessions, doesn’t exactly hurt things either.

While the lyrical content, which focuses on different kinds of addiction and the despair that comes with it, can be a bit dark, there is quite a lot to enjoy on ‘Addiction By Subtraction’ for fans of Against Me! and Tilt.  

Track listing:

1. Sober October    
2. Couldn't Get It Right    
3. Girl in Black    
4. South Side Rules    
5. In Hindsight    
6. For all the Marbles    
7. Circles    
8. Red State    
9. Anchorless    
10. Ready or Not    
11. All Over Town    
12. Better Off Dead