It’s Never Too Late
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
Steven Rubin, the driving force behind Virginia’s Jackie And The Treehorns, has been at it for a decade now, and what better way to celebrate than their best record to date, right?
“Robots” starts the listen with a driving pace of charged and fuzzy alt-rock where an anthemic quality exists, and “Sharpen Your Knives” follows with playful guitar work and a bouncy display from the rhythm section in the thoughtful rocker.
Elsewhere, “Fringe” takes a trip into hazy, calmer areas of atmospheric balladry, though “Home” brings the album back to thundering and thumping on the stadium rock highlight.
Near the end, “I Am The Untitled One” recruits a thicker display of crunchy rock, while “Secrets To Getting Off (My Lawn)” brings in grunge influences to the post-punk closer that touches on the greatness achieved by Dischord Records.
Rubin and his band of Pat Kehs and Brian Gibson have all been involved in the luminous Washington D.C. underground scene for years, and together their thriving chemistry reminds us of all the things we love about the sounds from our Nation’s Capital- intensity, raw restraint and a bristling timelessness.
Travels well with: Ted Leo & The Pharmacists- Shake The Sheets; The Flaming Lips- Kings Mouth