Last Conservative: Pretty New Things

Last Conservative
Pretty New Things
Good Charamel Records
2006-08-22

This band spent the past summer opening for the Goo Goo Dolls / Counting Crows co-headlining North American tour, as well as performing at the after-show parties. And this album, produced by Goo Goo Doll, Robby Takac, has the group churning out punchy, rampant radio-friendly pop rock. “Distraction” kicks things off with some oomph that isn’t too glossy or overly produced. “King of Failure” is another passionate tune that takes no prisoners as it builds, resembling a Goo Goo Dolls’ ditty. However, “The Answer” leaves you asking a lot of questions, like why didn’t they leave this off the album? Fortunately, the sappy ballad “The Way You Would Kiss Me” works quite well, resembling the Rembrandts. The lush title track tries to be grandiose, with marginal success that recalls Soul Asylum in its heyday. And it’s the sleeper pick on the record with its funky, Southern-tinged bridge, while “Little Flame” could have been a sweet Gin Blossoms b-side. The jerky “Stop Sign” is a valiant effort at a rather tedious format with mixed results; however, “Presents And Apologies” is a finely honed keeper of a pop song.

RATING 6 / 10