Sweet Fatality
Big Bliss, 2023
9/10
A long running rock outfit from Los Angeles that formed in 1995, The Customers are now back in Minnesota, the home state of frontman Ryan Sexton, and this long awaited album features appearances by Daniel Murphy (Soul Asylum/The Scarlet Goodbye), Terrance J. Fisher (Run Westy Run), Ivan Julian (Richard Hell and the Voidoids), Patricia Lacy (Luther Vandross), and Minneapolis’ own John Eller, Terry Isachsen, Peter Anderson, Pat Frederick, Ian Prince, and Noah Levy
The animated “One Delight” opens the listen with Sexton’s flowing voice and warm guitar complemented by Rich Manik’s well timed sax and Prince’s thumping drums, and “Duel” follows with a calmer pace thanks to Isachsen’s intimate guitar and Kevin Bowe’s moody bass that helps cultivate a stirring intimacy.
Halfway through, the bouncy climate of “Forgot The Reason” recruits Murphy’s distinct vocals and Eller’s lively keys and guitar for the bright melodies, while “Chain Or Disguise”, the album’s best, is populated by Dirty Dave Randall’s skilled bass and Murphy’s swirling guitar via the modern rock appeal.
Near to the end, the busy rocker “All Over Town” spotlights the firm rhythm section of Prince and Bowe amid Eller’s moody keys for the brisk delivery, and “Everything” exits the listen with Isachsen’s Ebow and Patricia Lucy’s strategic backing vocals that elicit the hazy, tense finish.
Even though Sexton has stayed busy with other projects, songwriting has always been a big part of his creativity, and these tracks that surround unfulfilled existences, the futility of knowledge, and an inherent need for answers make for an excellent comeback listen.
Travels well with: Kevin Bowe- Half Past Never; Jesse Norell- Aorta Borealis