'Round Midnight

Albumbeschreibung

Boston's Coffin Lids offer up more of the punk-fueled garage rock ruckus that marked their 2004 debut on their second studio album, Round Midnight, and if there's an air of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" about this set, that might just be because the band has gotten better at what it does in the 18 months that separated the two sets without having to make a major production out of it. The Coffin Lids do the garage rock thing with lots of energy and an infectious sense of fun, but without getting pretentious or postmodern at the same time, and if they enjoy playing the "spooky" card every once in a while, Round Midnight is thankfully light on the horror rock trappings that have sunk too many bands since the Misfits reared their glorious but problematic heads. Skinny Mike sings with gusto and cranks out some tough guitar leads, Jaye Toothaker and Damien are a simple and swinging rhythm section, the songs are punchy and driving, and Zack Brines's guest Farfisa organ is just the right topping for this sundae. The best songs (most notably "She's the Bomb," "Tonight You're Going to Die in My Garage," and the tribute to the 5.6.7.8's) work classic themes with a fresh dose of vigor. And the recording and production by Jack Younger is sharper and better detailed than on Rock'n'Roll, making it easier to hear how good this band can be. Round Midnight may not be a great record, but it's certainly a good one, and anyone with a taste for classic garage sounds will groove solid behind it.

© Mark Deming /TiVo