Rockfreaks.net

Restorations

Restorations

Written by: PP on 07/05/2024 13:46:25

For their fifth album and first record in six years, Restorations has opted to call it "Restorations" rather than continuing with the "LPx" naming strategy. They veer even further towards the Great American Rock Song style of songwriting, utilizing light guitar distortion and prolonged croons to achieve an expansive, far-reaching soundscape that just sounds so earnest.

It's a lofty expression that's best described as a better version of The Gaslight Anthem these days. They balance anthemic, life-affirming melodies with indie-flavored punk passages with yell-out-loud segments, where Jon Loudon's charismatically scratchy vocals stand out. It's an airy sound that feels uplifting and heartfelt at the same time, driven by raw passion for troubadour-style songwriting.

"Charm", for instance, has a back-chilling choral section full of nostalgia and warmth. Together with the opener "Field Recordings", it similarly represents Bruce Springsteen's songwriting ideals as bands like Sharks, The Gaslight Anthem, and Cold Years have consistently done. On the other hand "Cured" is more about scratchy hollers and basement-style sing-alongs. Likewise, "Big, Dumb" features melodically ringing guitars and gravelly vocals that result in a sincere, vibrant sound that just oozes genuine joy throughout.

Overall, "Restorations" is a fine album, albeit with less flair than "LP5000" had six years ago. The earnest, lofty songwriting should finally be enough to push the band to the next level from the criminally underrated underground. It's all about a buzzing feeling of nostalgia and flavorful rock melodies.

Download: "Charm", "Field Recordings"; "Cured"; "800"; "Big, Dumb"; "The Cost";
For the fans of: The Gaslight Anthem, Cold Years, The Menzingers, The Hold Steady, Sharks
Listen: Facebook

Release date 22.03.2024
Self-Released