Universal Hurt
SubFamily, 2021
8/10
A New York outfit who actually broke up a decade ago, Frankie And His Fingers return here with a comeback album, where their ‘80s eccentricity and similarities to early 2000’s indie-rock sounds better than ever.
The appropriately titled “Celebrate!” starts the listen with thumping drums and charged guitars as plenty of power-pop energy is met with calmer moments of modern indie-rock, and “Gene Kelly & The Truck My Dad Built” follows with no shortage of melody as an organ adds much playfulness to the lively rocker.
Landing in the middle is “Just Because You Are, Doesn’t Mean You Have To”, where memorable fuzz and some nods to the days of emo enter the introspective yet very animated album highlight, while “To Die Would Be A Great Adventure” alternates between heavier moments of pop-punk influence amid a soaring pop-rock flavor that’s even anthemic.
Approaching the end, “Cake Heart” displays much diversity with keys, soaring backing vocals and sing-alongs amid the busy climate, and “There’s A Dragon In That Cave” finishes the listen with 9+ minutes of dreamy synth, crunchy guitar, and prog and classic rock hints in an unpredictable and exciting exit.
Originally a trio of Frank McGinnis (guitar, vocals, keys), Sammi Niss (drums) and Adam Stoutenburgh (bass), Frankie And His Fingers now includes Ryan Stoutenburgh (guitar, backing vocals), too. If you miss the days of The Get Up Kids, Taking Back Sunday and The Anniversary threatening to invade the mainstream, you’re going to love every second of Universal Hurt.
Travels well with: Ultimate Fakebook- The Preserving Machine; Alkaline Trio- My Shame Is True