THE SOFT PACK - The Soft Pack (Kemado Records)

Another example on how good garage rock, when well produced, can be accepted by the American music press when referred to as simply "indie rock". Formally named The Muslims, The Soft Pack are a San Diego quartet that combine elements from various divisions of celebrated retroactive rock'n'roll (garage, surf, punk, power pop). The basic feel of their debut album is very non-lo-fi and features an overall quality that is as crisp as the ocean air that these men have been inhaling for most of their lives.

Almost every track on this record is driven by surf-y guitar riffs that exhibit a capability of actually keeping each song sounding fresh. Songs like "Flammable" and "Move Along" feature a terrific early 80s SoCal hardcore tempo while keeping the sound under-driven. My personal favorite is the tiki-ballad "Mexico" which could easily compliment any midnight beach BBQ. Another winner is "Pull Out" which, along with "Parasites", could fool anyone into believing Greg Sage is doing guest guitar work as both songs mimic the legend's technique from his Youth of America/Over The Edge era recordings with The Wipers.

If you have ended up becoming bored from lo-fi and emotionless garage rock over the last 10 or 15 years, The Soft Pack may be your last great white hope.

Click the above album image to buy the album from AMAZON



Clicking >>HERE<< will give you a pop-up player where you can hear samples from The Soft Pack

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