Finn Riggins: Benchwarmers

Finn Riggins
Benchwarmers
Tender Loving Empire
2012-04-17

Judging by the five tracks included in this EP, Finn Riggins are a group that thoroughly savors the simple joy of being, a sensation manifested by performing together and feeding off the music. The earth-shaking beat and infectious run-on melody of the title track are bound to hook the ear, but it’s the record’s more rocking cuts that will enrapture the rest of the body. On those other numbers, Finn Riggins are a restless reservoir of potential energy, a trait it plays to the hilt to ensure maximum listening satisfaction.

Repetition of simple, lean ideas, such as the nod-along bass in “Plural” build up tension, cranking it up until the songs cannot hold back any longer and open up into euphoric release; in the case of “Big News” that tension is so protracted, it only dissipates when the band stops playing. “If I hold my breath / If stretch my ears / Will I find your heartbeat / Will I find your heartbeat / Will I find your heartbeat / Will I find your heartbeat / Purring in your chest?” Lisa Simpson expectantly wonders during the rousing closer “Parkour”, making sure that the wait for a response is as gratifying a sensation as finally receiving an answer.

RATING 7 / 10