Higgins. Zs. The triumphant Big Star guitar chords of "There He Is" signal the beginning of Higgins' excellent album Zs, perhaps the best record yet from the standout, critically-acclaimed young record label Serious Business. Higgins is a lovely pop band influenced by seventies-era power-pop and AM radio fare. It's songwriter Kevin Fish's lyrical proficiency that has led to such a well-executed melodic result for the six-member band.
"Yes I Know," with its sterling guitars and wonderfully chiming chorus, is one of the record's most memorable moments, while monster epic "Charly" (complete with its own prelude) is an acid-drenched psych-pop track soaked in dense guitars and rolling organs. On the slower end of things, the wistful "Write It Down" and "Ok" recall Third/Sister Lovers-era Big Star. Higgins harbours an unusually consistent devotion to the music of yesteryear. Rarely does Fish integrate more recent influences into Zs' eleven songs. Although "Wall Of Dumb" is distinctly reminiscent of the Magnetic Fields, this disc as a whole has a remarkably consistent 'classic' vibe. The only other constant is the record's level of quality. Zs is an unquestionably satisfying release.
-Michael Tau
The All-American Rejects. When the World Comes Down. Three years after their second studio album Move Along went double platinum and cracked several mainstream music charts, The All-American Rejects are back with When the World Comes Down-or better put, Move Along Part II. The sound of World's 11 tracks signals that AAR isn't quite ready to deviate from the formula that made their last effort a surprise success back in 2005. Why mess with a good thing, right?
On the new album, the foursome known for their blend of pop, emo, punk, and rock delivers another dose of teen angst. Heartbreak seems to be what these Oklahoma natives know best, and much of the album is spent wailing about lost love. Good luck getting the first single "Gives You Hell"-sure to be the break-up anthem of 2009-out of your head. Other noteworthy tunes are the up-tempo tracks "Fallin' Apart," "Breakin'," "Real World," and the slower, acoustic ballad "Mona Lisa." Another album highlight is "Another Heart Calls," in which the band collaborates with New York-based folk-pop duo The Pierces. All in all, while the long-awaited album is not quite as solid as Move Along, it will not disappoint fans of the group and is definitely worth a listen. What it lacks in originality, it more than makes up for in quality and style.
-Joshua Rosenblatt
Andrew Vincent. Rotten Pear. Singer-songwriter Andrew Vincent's recently released album Rotten Pear-his fifth and most emotional to date-is marked by poignant, honest lyrics that explore themes of loss and loneliness. Against the backdrop of a soft acoustic guitar, Vincent showcases his soothing and appealing voice, which is strikingly reminiscent of Ben Kweller. Recorded at his home in Toronto and produced by small indie label Kelp Records, the album confirms Vincent as a noteworthy Canadian singer-songwriter.
Rotten Pear's first track "Hi Lo" is a pleasing, gently lilting melody that's soothing to the ear and draws the listener into the album. "Ruffian," a beautiful song whose lyrics describe the experiences of a misguided young boy, is a prime example of Vincent's lyrical story-telling. If you're a fan of acoustic rockers like Elliott Smith and Nick Drake, Vincent's sound is sure to please. Vincent is not as innovative as Smith or Drake; although the songs featured on the album are generally mellow, pleasant tunes, they're nothing you probably haven't heard before. Nonetheless, Rotten Pear displays a pleasant flow and makes for an enjoyable listening experience. If you like what you hear, check out Vincent live at L'Escogriffe on January 31.
-Carolyn Gregoire
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