The Soft Pack
Artist: The Soft Pack
Label: Inertia/Pod
Website: thesoftpackofficial.com
Believe the hype - not their name
The sophomore record from The Soft Pack is as carefree musically as their cover suggests. The lyrics, chords and structures feel completely loose but yet the album has well confined and tight instruments lead by tempo setter and mostly monotone singer Matt Lamkin. The key is not to misinterpret the bands laid back approach, as their self-titled record will simply rock your ass off and impress you with its memorable tracks and concise 32 minute running time.
Just about every song here has foot tapping and window rolling down capabilities. What really makes The Soft Pack a winner is how the band was able to take all of their hype and energy from the first record and expand it into a much more mature and planned out album without losing their edge.
Most of this was accomplished by incorporating expanded melodic chords, while shaking up the vocals enough to give the record more than two dimensions. This trick makes each track more of an experience and with the edition of producer Eli Janney (Girls Against Boys, Brainiac, Jawbox) the album is more of a complete effort from beginning to end.
The Soft Pack still have not peaked and there is no reason that this record should not earn them more of a deserved spotlight.
Reece Michael
For more of Reece Michael's music reviews, check out The Fire Note