Do you ever hear an album and it reminds you of another band? It’s a weird feeling because on the one hand you love it as it has a slightly familiar sound. It’s also new, like a release from your favorite band that somehow you missed. That’s how Thirsty Curses new self-titled release feels to me. The whole time I was listening I couldn’t help wondering what band it reminded me of. It was a good thing though.
Right off the bat the record begins and that signature 90’s guitar tone hits you. It’s that sweet spot of thick and creamy but not too overpowering. As soon as the vocals come in for the first track “Straight to VHS,” they sound youthful, optimistic, and slightly sarcastic. I realize its entirely likely the lead singer is at least 30 since he knows what a VHS is, but that just makes it even more impressive. It’s not always easy to convey a feeling that strong with vocals after all the compression, reverb, and pitch correction have their way. Somehow though, he does it. I always love that.
All the tracks on the record are just fun. Every song has a little unique take that keeps you coming back for more. In “Smash Hit,” the band accents a few syncopated hits here and there just to keep you on your toes. Other times it’s the lyrics like the beautiful line “One day you wake up, you’re a completely different person. Same name, same face but it’s like someone else is doing all the work.” It was a great listen and one of those kinds of records I think I’ll keep coming back to. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to grab my 150 count CD book and find who this band reminds me of. Otherwise it will keep me up all night.
Written by Columbia Jones