Review Summary: A reflection on their past while staying true to their signature sound.
In a day and age where digital streaming is commonplace, it becomes harder and harder to make an identity for bands on the rise. As time passes we tend to turn a blind eye to those who are creating the music we enjoy. The experience becomes less about those who have spent valuable time and effort in generating the music and more about instant gratification with the sound of a song or album. When that grip fails to hold, many often give up and fail to delve into what goes behind the production of a song or record. On Stealing the Covers, Teenage Bottlerocket focus not only on the attention of the listener but also showcasing the culmination of connections they’ve made throughout their career with covers of songs by bands they’ve toured with. The album attempts to open the eyes of those who merely listen for enjoyment and encourages the acceptance of up and coming bands.
STC is not really about promoting the Teenage Bottlerocket brand but bringing some recognition to songs from artists that have not made it to limelight. I shouldn’t have to privy this to those who read this review, but in fact, this struggle is one many musicians in the industry face. Coming into this record at face value is a mistake I’m sure many will make, but in doing so one will miss the point of its conception. This is a record solely about recognizing the groups that Teenage Bottlerocket have worked with as well as a tribute to how far the band has come to this day. Those who are up to date with the band may be aware of the recent loss of drummer Brandon Carlisle. The reason I bring this up is that in a way, the inception of this album is a method of reflection on where the band has been. STC is as much a nostalgia trip for the band as it is a nod to other bands they’ve worked with.
Bearing all of these factors in mind, there is a mix of tracks on this album that manage to hold true to their original songs while adding superior production and a more infectious sound. However, those who walk into this expecting complexity will remain unimpressed. If you enjoy straightforward and fun pop punk, you will be pleasantly surprised a majority of the time as the choruses on some of these tracks are fairly simple. Because of this, these songs manage to remain earworms that will stick in your head. Tracks like ‘Back and Forth’, ‘College Town’ and ‘No Hugging No Learning’ are almost guilty pleasures that you can’t help but sing along to. Through the mix there are a few standouts but the most notable one in my eyes is ‘Don’t Go’ which features a soaring riff and a chorus that, albeit simple, never overstays its welcome. Kody Templeman’s vocal delivery is sure to remind many of Mark Hoppus as their vocal inflections are fairly similar in nature, most prominently on this song. In general, many will see an overall lackadaisical aesthetic that easily could compare to the likes of Blink-182. In making this comparison you’re going to get your share of tracks that are simple enough instrumentally and lyrically while still remaining catchy and entertaining.
The bottom line with this record is that it's not a record I’d call a “Teenage Bottlerocket” record, but rather a record paying homage to the band’s past while keeping their predominantly apathetic yet catchy pop punk sound. If you are aware of the Fat Wreck Chords label then this release will come as no surprise. You can expect a listen that while not being dense in nature contains tracks that are amusing enough to warrant repeat listens. Take this record as it is, but never devalue what makes the music industry, bands and musicians trying to bridge the gap of entertainment and personal connection.
