Consequences + Detours
Big Stir, 2025
9/10
Listen to Consequences + Detours
The Detroit duo Crossword Smiles return with a sophomore album, where Tom Curless and Chip Saam welcome guests and inject plenty of melody into their pop and rock template.
The jangly and breezy warmth of “Counting By Fives” opens with Lenny Grassa’s flowing guitar that suits the cozy vocal melodies, and “Falling All Over Myself” follows with Curless’ thumping drums and Saam’s animated bass that complements the melodic college rock spirit.
Deeper into the listen, “Night Train” welcomes David Baldwin’s bright trumpet alongside Timothy Monger’s well timed accordion, while “Typical Waving Goodbye” recruits Rod Capps sophisticated violin and viola that illuminates the rich and atmospheric album highlight.
Further still, “Fake A Smile” flirts with ‘80s sensibilities via the textured and ambient qualities, and “The Never Seens” exits with some grit entering the more muscular finish.
An original but somehow still familiar album, you might be reminded of The Replacements (late period), R.E.M. or Crowded House, as Curless and Saam deliver plenty of melodies, hooks and harmonies that you won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: Nelson Bragg- Mélodie de Nelson: A Pop Anthology; Chris Church- Obsolete Path