There’s a great bar band somewhere within the Crime Novels, but I’m not convinced it’s on this record. “Visiting On Mr. Divine” is a fine EP, the kind that hints about good things to come, or possibly a great live show. Still, there’s something about the record that’s a bit too polished, a bit too forced. Singer Matthew Anderson channels Dave Pirner on “Saccharine,” and the Crime Novels would do well following the rest of Soul Asylum’s grungy example: A little more grime here, some dust there and a quick spit-polish production to make it go down easy.

This is more a realistic goal for future records than a lost opportunity. The Crime Novels has the musicianship to pull it off – just listen to the booming percussion, the slithering guitars of “NYC” or the crackling bass-snare interplay on “Sweet Sister.” Though the mix doesn’t always treat him kindly, Ben Anderson’s saxophone is a welcome addition, but he too could play a little darker and grimier.

For a band with the look of film noir, the Crime Novels need a little more darkness. In real life it’s called darkness, in rock ‘n roll, it’s called distortion. DB

www.thecrimenovels.com