Growing Pains
Fun Machine, 2025
9/10
Now 10 albums deep, Andy Frasco and his band return with their most mature offering yet, where life, growth and balance are covered with their fusion ways still very much intact.
“Crazy Things” starts the listen with warm acoustic guitar and Frasco’s distinct voice, before a fuller climate of thumping drums and dense guitar enters, and “Ugly On You” follows with a driving rocker that’s melodic, buzzing and invites singing-along.
Entering the middle, the balladry of “Tears In My Cocaine” is a heartfelt moment that even uses strings, while “Swinging For The Fences” recruits G. Love and Eric Krasno for the harmonica and sax fueled album highlight that’s both gritty and harmonic.
The title track resides near the end and is an anthemic moment via Frasco's signature ‘party’ energy that’s also wise, and “Easier” exits with group vocals and a jam band feel that’s enlightening.
Certainly his most personal album to date, Frasco still has plenty of his reckless ideas present, but the softer moments explore other avenues he excels in, where the folk, funk, jazz, blues and rock help make this one of his best yet, which is no easy feat.
Travels well with: Andy Frasco & The U.N.- Change Of Pace; Kendall Street Company- The Year The Earth Stood Still: Ninurta