BENJAMINS “The art of disappointment”
This is the first Drive Thru release in quite sometime and it’s alot different from just about anything else this label has put out. Namely the fact that it a) doesn’t sound like BLINK 182, and b) it doesn’t sound like BLINK 182. BENJAMINS sound like WEEZER instead. Actually, that’s an unfair direct labeling because this band is a lot better than a one band comparison. In the long line of bands who like to sing about girls in a depressing manner, the BENJAMINS contribute their part in poppy, but dark dosages. There doesn’t seen to be too much joy in these guys lives, but none of the pain seems to hurt too deep as the music remains on the lighter side of things. One the third track, “Sophie on the Stereo,” the chorus is undeniably catchy, and cruel at the same time. Just try to get the “wa oh, wa oh, we’re on the stereo,” out of your head….it doesn’t work, IT DOESN’T WORK!!!!! Ah, anyway…”The art of disappointment,” however, does begin to lose some steam after the sixth or so track, when the music doesn’t seem to get any more creative than the past few songs, and everything just kinda blobs together. With most of the tracks shuffling between the three and four minute mark, I just find myself tired by the end of the song, which is unfortunate because i’m sure that i’m digging the first two and half minutes. The vocals stand out really well in the mix, and most of the songs have a chunky feel to them…fluidity is not this bands strongest asset. If you liked WESTON’s last release, “The Massed Albert Sounds,” then this release will be perfect for you, and of course, if you dig WEEZER, this isn’t something to miss either. Personally, I’m still torn over how much I dig this. It’s good for a cloudy afternoon in late winter. How this will stack up come early June is yet to be seen.
Drive-Thru
