Album Rating: 2.0

Hm, it's less "poor", and more "I don't like it". Although, I suppose technically, I do think it's a little poor. I see the appeal and I hope this band go far and I'm glad people like/love them! Just not for me.

I should perhaps articulate better what it is I don't like about the album, since it's been getting positive attention and I don't mean to be negative just for the sake of it. For me, this feels like a mash up of a band I love (TGG-era The Wonder Years) with a band I don't mind (The Hotelier). There are a bunch more influences people will point out, which is cool. But re: those two bands, I think this band, in certain aspects of their music, takea inspiration (direct or otherwise) without doing much new within that sound. For that reason, it doesn't hit me -- it doesn't feel genuine. I'm sure it is -- I don't mean to undermine whatever honesty is on display, God knows the artists' intent -- it just doesn't endear me to the album (or band) in the least. I hate the production -- the guitars sound too compressed for me, the vocals too low at times, and there's this awful moment in one of the songs where this sweet synth line is totally BURIED by everything else, to the point where it's inaudible. I don't like the lyrics either -- this is my most subjective criticism, so don't mind me, but the way a song like 'The Boy Considers his Haircut' lists each of the singer's flaws hits most of the same talking points as most other bands like this.

I don't think the album is awful, by any means -- talented musicians, for sure, and a charismatic frontman -- I just don't think it's good music. And the fact that I'm not particularly endeared toward the lyrics or songwriting (again, totally subjective) means I notice some things I otherwise wouldn't, and that makes me dislike the album even more. Don't mean to be negative, though, I'm glad this has been so well-recieved. They seem like very good people.

Album Rating: 5.0

can you elaborate on that just a tad?



lol nah, I feel you man - to each their own! honestly they don't remind me of the Wonder Years much except for some of the lyrics. I do agree they were influenced by other bands, but the more I listen to them the more they seem to have an identity of their own. Not trying to convince you or anyone else otherwise, but holy shit this album just floored me. for whatever reason it just hits all the right notes for me 100% of the time...

Album Rating: 3.0

I like the guy's voice a lot honestly, i just find that forced, over the top vibrato thing he does to be slightly annoying.

Album Rating: 2.5

The singer was the best part for me, only Buffalo Buffalo and Joana, in Five Acts stood out

Album Rating: 4.5

I love everything about this and the lyrics floor me. Maybe that says more about me than it does about this album but I don't normally give a shit about lyrics and this does it for me.

Album Rating: 2.0

"Not trying to convince you or anyone else otherwise, but holy shit this album just floored me. for whatever reason it just hits all the right notes for me 100% of the time..."

Oh, of course. 100% understand. Man, who knows? If this was a Wil Wagner album, maybe I would've 5d it already.

Album Rating: 4.5

This album takes several of my favorite bands, mashes them together and creates a masterpiece. By far in my top 5 for the year. I can understand the criticisms, but this album is all around amazing to me.



The Wonder Years, The Hotelier, The Smith Street Band, Modern Baseball, this list could go on forever. Sure its not necessarily original, but its just what I like.

Album Rating: 5.0

Welp this album is the only thing keeping me going lately tbh

Album Rating: 5.0

Freddie what are your favorite tracks other than the closer?

Album Rating: 5.0

Opener, Bellyache, Buffalo Buffalo and Otis/Carl to round out a top 5

Album Rating: 4.0

This album reminds me so heavily of Chamberlain Waits by The Menzingers and that is in no way a bad thing.



I don't really see the TGG era Wonder Years comparisons here, but to each their own

"I hate the production -- the guitars sound too compressed for me, the vocals too low at times" - yeah, I feel like I'm working to hard to hear the good that should be upfront

"i just find that forced, over the top vibrato thing he does to be slightly annoying." - probably the most distinct and endearing feature of the music for me

Album Rating: 3.0

Also the keys are too quiet. I know they were using it in a subtle way and i agree with that decision, but they should have been a tad higher in the mix.

Album Rating: 4.5

The Boy Considers His Haircut is the first song in years that I've instantly identified with on a profound level. God damn



I agree about the keys being a bit higher, I'm not a big fan of keys but I didn't even know they were there at all until I watched a music video

Album Rating: 5.0

I like that the keys are lower in the mix, that way it doesn’t detract from the outstanding vocals and guitars at all

Album Rating: 5.0

Let's talk about the moment that Nuevo suddenly swells and bursts with that trumpet good lord

Album Rating: 5.0

mmm, Nuevo leads into the 2nd track so flawlessly, I basically view the first two tracks as one



Also, great picks for your favorite tracks man - basically mine too. “It’s Not Interesting” as well

Album Rating: 5.0

this is good

Album Rating: 5.0

Just came through the other end of probably the most brutal period in my life and this album was absolutely critical in keeping me going, has become a serious all-time favorite

This has grown off me a little but it's still a highlight of 2018