Future of the Left
The Plot Against Common Sense
Xtra Mile (2012)
The Future of the Left may have released their third full-length in The Plot Against Common Sense but little has changed in terms of band definition. The songs here are mostly built around frontman Andrew Falkous and his direct, biting commentary/lyricism. The music is sharp-toothed and forceful and, when the band drops a new release, the question isn’t so much “how have they evolved,” rather “who are his targets this time around?”The Plot Against Common Sense really doesn’t break new ground for the band. After the promise of last year’s teaser EP, Polymers Are Forever (the titular track is included on this release), many of the songs feel a bit flat. Falkous’ snide lyrics have always been at the center of the band, playfully dropped on top of hook-driven hard rock guitars. The negative behind this is that it revolves on the lyrics to define the songs, and it’s a lot harder to capture the momentum required to make a successful 15-song album when the musical variations are pushed to the background. Say whatever you like about his lyrics, but his voice generally doesn’t cover much range and a little bit more focus on the rest of the band would … Read more
Franz Nicolay
Do The Struggle
Xtra Mile (2012)
It must be stated that the quirkily moustachioed Franz Nicolay is an intriguing and rather singular gentleman. For those who … Read more
Legendary Wings
Making Paper Roses
Dirtnap (2012)
Dirtnap Records picked up Kalamazoo, MI’s Legendary Wings based on an unsolicited demo. Seeing that the label gave them a … Read more
