To me, this album just feels outdated like a group reuniting but still being on their same bullshit without growing at all as musicians. I was a big Japandroids guy in the late 2000s/early 2010s and this didn’t really scratch the itch I wanted it to scratch. Don’t get me wrong, the middle section of “Upon Sober Reflection” through “Positively 34th Street” hit hard and make up for some cringier cuts to kick off the record (like “Chicago”).
Pretty good. Feels like a reunion with an old friend that you just don't vibe with anymore. And you're both bummed about it. Might change on more listens.
Kinda hard not to be swayed by the reviews and Indiecast on this - struggle to listen to it on its own terms. But I can't knock it to be honest. It feels like the riffs and transitions hit home. They have a knack for urgent earnest heart-bursting rock.