With more time, I’ve only grown to appreciate the punk masterpiece Oh! Calcutta! from Chicago’s Lawrence Arms more and more. Which means I’ve been seriously anticipating their follow-up.
Unfortunately, their latest release is only an EP – the unfortunately named Buttsweat and Tears. Fortunately, it picks up where the last album left off – raucous guitars, vocals that balance right on the edge between harsh and beautiful, and enough energy to power a minor city. It’s also a bit more introspective, demonstrating their continual progress as not just a great band but also as fairly sophisticated storytellers and painters of portraits.
It doesn’t quite reach the heights of Calcutta. There’s certainly nothing that comes remotely close to “Are You There Margaret? It’s Me God” or “Great Lakes/Great Escapes” and they’re guitars sometimes touch a little bit too closely on the ‘classic rock’ sound – which distracts from what they do well. Less specifically, it all also sounds just a little bit less dynamic; this is still music to put you back on your heels but it doesn’t quite hit as hard as their best work.
Still, it’s a welcome release from one of my favorite bands these days. Each one of the five tracks has a lot to offer. As usual, they sound their best when they sing together: Brendan Kelly sounds like the gravel road cutting through Chris McCaughan’s dusty plains. Neither one of them has a particularly big vocal range, but together they cover a pretty wide space – and the result is something marvelous.
Them Angels Been Talkin’ – The Lawrence Arms
This album is a tease! 5 songs is not nearly enough to scratch TLA itch! Either way, this EP is pure, honest energy that comes out in guitar riffs and guttural vocals that will light your ears on fire. Great f****n cd for those that appreciate their music.