Sometimes, the best bands aren't necessarily planned. I remember talking to Matt Julian in the early days about The Speedways and the project wasn't planned to go further than the one album to get it out of his system. Public and Listeners reactions meant it grew and grew to something more established.
I suspect that Philadelphia's The Blackburns. The collaboration between Joel Tannenbaum and Nick Palmer was only planned as few demos to see if it worked. Like Julian, both had great reputations with their own work and both self and listener reaction has led to their debut album.
The Blackburns will be thought of as new out of the blocks, but the history and experience has led to an absolute crackerjack of an album. Guitar Pop at its finest at heart, but with an ability and wish to go in any direction they wish.
This waywardness is the strength of the album. Songs are beautifully performed, arranged and played, so why should stick to one template. At times, the band sound a little 80s, but they also sound very college 90s. They can be Power Pop, but easily turn to something that is a bit Lindsey Buckingham.
One minute they are a bit slacker, others a bit Husker Du and at other times New Wave or UK Indie 80s. Having so much to aim at, only adds to the effect. Songs are built on killer riffs, memorable hooks and big choruses, no matter where they are heading.
More importantly, the vibe is chipper, a welcome relief to the amount of woe is me that is around. Suburban Bus is wonderful 80s UK melodic Indie, yet Time Turns Around is almost Fleetwood Mac with hints of Tom Petty.
Southern Chester County is like a scuzzy version of The Speedways, Stars:Someday has a verse vocal that could be Paul Simon with a Rock out interlude, yet Drama Club is straight up simple New Wave, all attitude. Hooks has to be mentioned, possibly one of the singles of the year, very 70s. 10 Songs are here, each as good as the other, yet each engages you differently. Superb.
You can listen to and buy the album here.
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