2 Things & 118 Others
Self-Released, 2020
8/10
Listen to 2 Things & 118 Others
An outfit spearheaded by Tom Siering and Tim Carroll, on this 3rd album as The 81’s they’ve recruited Cameron Carrus on bass, Marco Giovino behind the drum kit and Addi McDaniel on vocals and De Marco Johnson on keys for the fullest sound the band has made yet.
“Michael (End Of The Line)” starts the listen with thick roots rock where a much louder presence than we’re used to from the genre gives it a sonic quality, and “Curb” follows with crashing percussion and a Southern Rock feel amid the melodic yet turbulent setting.
Further on, “Nuke LaLoosh” recruits an intospective presence of while “Jimmy” is a flawless, cautious alt-rocker that tips it hat to the best moments of the ‘90s. “Mindbender”, the album highlight, then twists and turns with bluesy guitar and noisey rock ideas in its pre-grunge like fashion.
At the end, “Is This All You Got?” mixes talking and singing with firm classic rock moments, and “Need To Believe” thumps and glides with dynamic interplay in the fascinating, blistering finish to a searing listen.
A very unique effort that reels in punk nods (Carroll was in The Gizmo’s in the ‘80s), just as it does twang moments, The 81’s version of rock’n’roll isn’t easy to put a finger on, but it’s safe to say if you like enjoy loud atypical rock and names like Joe Strummer and Neil Young mean anything to you, The 81’s should be on your short list of bands to familiarize yourself with.
Travels well with: Mike Krol- Power Chords; Big Loser- Love You, Barely Living