The Loved Ones-Distractions
Fat
February 3, 2009

At six songs long, three of them being covers, The Loved Ones give their listeners little more than something to tide them over between Build and Burn and whatever they release next. There's nothing wrong with that, and I'll always accept new music from a band I enjoy with open arms; it just seemed like an odd release to me.

The songs move along at the Americana pop punk pace that they leaned towards in their previous albums (except for "Spy Diddley," which is an older tune). The use of piano, especially at the start of "Last Call," adds a lot to the songs while not taking away the punk rock feel. Dave Hause's voice is strong and heartfelt, more melodic than gruff, but still sincere as a 3rd grade crush letter.

I like their take on the covers. Speeding up Billy Bragg and stripping down Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, while playing Bruce Springsteen pretty close to the vest makes for some enjoyable tunage, adding to three damn fine originals.

Written by: RF
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