Holy catchy pop! The first time around, the songs on the Humbugs' third release don't leave the most memorable impression, but by the second or third listen, every song will likely be stuck in your head over the course of the day.
Though songs are certainly indelible, the record's slick production wears some tracks down to subdued nubs. This is too bad, because the band's heart is worn generally on their sleeve and the songs' shiny surfaces undermine each track's emotional pull. The heartbreaker "Baby You Don't Know" has a chorus that almost reaches gorgeous heights, but the overproduction keeps it on the ground. This also goes for "Cream Green Karmann Ghia," an otherwise fun track that loses steam due to some reverb issues.
However, this is music for Beatles and Aimee Mann enthusiasts, and the songcraft on display is pretty solid. Vocalist and guitarist Adam Marshall wrote the tracks, which range in tone from frivolous to dead serious, and he clearly spent a fair amount of time putting these songs together. They're fun, interesting and winning.
The record leaves you on a high with "One More Zero," which features the catchiest chorus you've heard in a long time. DB
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