I found the Bigger Lovers via their songs "Bought Your Ghost" and "Emmanuelle", recommended by Itunes. It was enough for me to buy all of their albums. After first listen I was a bit disappointed, but now after a few listens I see they're not far from great. They have a unique throwback sound to sixties love songs, but also incorporate lo-fi indie aspects, ala Fruit Bats and Rogue Wave.The album opens with "Catch and Release" and is somewhat skippable. "I'm Here" however is a keeper. Reminds me of Tommy James, Monkees, Mamas and the Papas. It has a wonderfully catchy melody and is a highlight on the album. "Change Your Mind" continues in the right direction with lo-fi vocals, reminiscient of Elliott Smith at first, in its restrained misery, but then becomes The Bigger Lovers' bread and butter-- dramatic build ups and climaxes. Raw emotion comes thru here. "Forever is Not Too Long" has some Kinkish guitars and somewhat nasally vocals, and becomes generic immediately. "Steady on Threes" has a craftily constructed intro, then brings in filtered vocals, and tends to drag. Nothing new here. "Casual Friday" is an unexpected 5:54 and finds really emotive vocals, however, it really doesn't change much, save a spoken word sample at the end. "Threadbare" again is nothing special, albeit upbeat, and causes the album to drag a bit. "America Undercover" has that lo-fi static vocal to start, and uses a little guitar and drumkit to make the head bop in joyless bliss. What are they singing about?"Summer of Our First Hello" is where they seem to change direction, with a nice piano/drum/percussion intro for a minute plus. Here the Bigger Lovers again turn to sixties pop, and it works for them. The song is over 5 minutes, but they do manage to change it up throughout. "A Year Ago" has some nice electric guitar and a Clash-ish bassline, and right away sticks. Nice little guitar licks ala early Beatles/George Harrison. "Out of Sight" starts with some steel pedal guitar and has an Americana country feel to it. A little bit of Jeff Tweedy here. Nice close to the album.Overall, this is not a great album, but it does have its moments. Recommended for fans of Fruit Bats, Redwalls, and Rogue Wave. Standout tracks: I'm Here, Change Your Mind, Summer, A Year Ago, Out of Sight.
Rating: [3 of 5 Stars!]