After reuniting behind an album that was praised (and panned) by some, Clem Snide have returned with a far more focused record, one which gets off on the right foot with the punchy, punk-ish “Walmart Parking Lot,” resembling an equal mix of Ryan Adams and Arcade Fire. The same can be said for the urgent “BFF” later in the album. Meanwhile lead singer Eef Barzelay also shines on the lighter, intriguing, roots-meets-strings “Denise” and extremely tender “Denver” that is definitely worth repeated listens.
Even when Clem Snide don’t ramp up the intensity, the mid-tempo tracks come off very strongly, especially the melodic, pedestrian-paced title track and the Americana-seasoned “I Got High” going out to American boys and girls. Only during “Forgive Me Love” does the band veer off into jazz-tinged, laidback territory in the vein of Bread.
Perhaps the highlight here is how sweet and infectious “Song For Mary” is placed so far down the running order, evoking images of ‘90s underrated act The Connells. But overall Clem Snide have created a pretty Eef-ing good album.
After reuniting behind an album that was praised (and panned) by some, Clem Snide have returned with a far more focused record, one which gets off on the right foot with the punchy, punk-ish “Walmart Parking Lot,” resembling an equal mix of Ryan Adams and Arcade Fire. The same can be said for the urgent “BFF” later in the album. Meanwhile lead singer Eef Barzelay also shines on the lighter, intriguing, roots-meets-strings “Denise” and extremely tender “Denver” that is definitely worth repeated listens.
