The April Skies: How It All Played Out

The April Skies are teeming with quality Midwestern rock. The excellent opener, “X”, sounds like a great homage to The Replacements circa Tim. Meanwhile the mid-tempo “My Love Is in This House” is just as solid despite the gears shifting down somewhat, again bringing to mind The Replacements (if fronted by Elvis Costello). The terrific guitar work by lead singer Jake Crawford and guitarist Andy Book shine throughout. Fans of The Connells and Gin Blossoms would also probably enjoy the softer but smart pop sensibilities of “Amnesia” as much as the rock radio-friendly nuggets such as “Grace”. Perhaps the surprise is the slow building, eight-minute and U2-ish “Always Never Finished”. The band rarely makes a mistake, with the closing tunes such as “The Weight” offering more of the same rock gold. It’s an album that you will most likely play out or wear out.