Beaten Awake: Lets Get Simplified

This is an indie group made up of other independent bands, featuring members of 6 Parts 7, Harriet the Spy, and The Man I Fell in Love With. And each of these people bring their best to the table, beginning with the mid-tempo and roots-y “Browns Town”, which brings to mind Soul Asylum. Hushed and sounding like it was done live off the floor, “It’s a Bubble Bath of Sharks” shines from start to finish, as does the Americana-tinged “Ghost Bought a Bicycle”, which is accented by some synth-like effects. The first noticeable departure is the heady, psychedelic based “Broken Fang”, which could be deemed “acid roots” if such an animal existed. Recorded in the basement of producer Patrick Carney (Audio Eagle, Black Keys), the record takes a dour turn with the mediocre “All Up All Close” and also during the run-of-the-mill “The Tigers Tale” that is downplayed too much. Fortunately, the album gets back to its better-than-average basics with the chugging “Boat Shoes” and the punchy “Endless Boo”.