A great raw sounding, punk inspired 3-piece band from Boston; Kalvin Koolidge have put together a fine album that although getting of to a strangely slow start, shifts up a gear from track four onwards.
Although clearly rooted in American punk and new wave, they actually sound at their best when supplementing this core sound with other styles to create a hybrid that is much more distinct and memorable. Which brings us back to the previously mentioned fourth track "Switches", with a 'funky' guitar sound and horn section thrown into the mix to help create a storming song that builds to a tumultuous crescendo. We then move onto a real standout in "Thirsty", (slightly reminiscent of The Killers), with a fine bit of church inspired soul adding some flavour to the proceedings.
Two more fine tracks, "747" (with a 'tip of the hat' in the direction of Tom Petty) and "Darkroom" revert back to a purer punk sound. Another standout track in "Streets of Tikrit" with a none-to-subtle half-sung, half-spoken piece towards the end, over driving drums and guitars brings the album to a suitably shuddering halt.
So there you have it, punk inspired they may be, however the addition of some funky guitar, a horn section and a little bit of soul proves that variety really is the spice of life.