Fang Island – Major
Sargent House
July 24, 2012

After sitting for a good 10 minutes trying to figure out how to describe these guys, this is the best (obviously fictional) scenario that I could come up with:

Fang Island were a group of guys that were trying to get signed to a major label in 1994.  They played pop/rock, and were kind spirited and happy guys who were excited to show people how to have a good time.  Maybe something like the Barenaked Ladies in personality, but nothing like them in a musical sense.  Anyway, instead of the record company signing them, they put them in a time machine and sent them into the future to the year 2012.  While traveling through time (DeLorean?  Airplane fleeing from Langoliers?  Take your pick), they figured out a way to write and record crazy catchy tunes without relying on the verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge/chorus/chorus formula for every track, but still maintain their lighthearted, pop/rock sensibilities.  They threw a couple little instrumental jams into the mix.  They played a lot of 8-bit Nintendo.  They hung out with the Gin Blossoms. They made a record that sounds dated and fresh at the same time.  If you have any desire to be happy, you should certainly like this record.  Also, if your mom has any sense about her, she’ll definitely ask you who it is the next time you’re playing it in the car while driving her to see your little sister’s dance recital down by the shopping mall  The one your dad probably is going to miss because he’s having to work late at the last minute, and as a peace offering, he’ll take the family out for ice cream over the weekend.  Heck, maybe you’ll invite your crazy uncle along too.

Confused yet?  You won’t be once your hear this.  Major, man.

7/10

If you had to listen to two tracks:  Make Me / Sisterly