OUTLOUD! Records – 06 May 2024
Arizona contemporary pop punkers return with third full-length album containing nods to classic 90s sound
Arizona's Lesser Creatures have quickly established themselves a place in the current pop punk bubble. The band led by vocalist/guitarist Nick Spoon have been consistently churning out their brand of snotty yet poppy punk rock since the beginning of the decade. “Entertainment System” is their third proper full length release, and follows the split Lesser Talk More Surf with the Hawaiians last year. This time around, Nick has enlisted new bandmates in the form of Tyler Adams of Follow Ups and Lilly Koloski of the Lily Livers.
The album starts strong with “Let's Turn Out The Lights” which immediately sets the pace for the album. What I like about this number is that the vocals kick in immediately with the instrumentation. There is no wait for the big pop! The repetitive chorus will stay with you for days. “Only Minutes” is a sweet song about being together when the world ends. This track boats a killer garage rock drum beat throughout. The Screeching Weasel influenced “No Regular Guy” follows. This song is complete 1990's Lookout Records! style ear candy. I can relate to this tale of loving who you are and living for the music. The tempo turns back up again on “Dr. Wayne,” a banger that boasts the killer vocal line of “Dr. Wayne can you help me fix my brain?”
On the short and sweet “Grass Is Greener” the vocal harmonies perfectly align with the track's rhythm. “Breaking Down” is classic Lesser Creatures. This Vindictives meets Pink Lincolns banger is fast and aggressive, with a blazing guitar solo featured in the bridge. The album's standout track is easily “Haunt You”. Heartfelt and personal lyrics carry this song. Steady guitar strumming with pounding drums support the vocal delivery. My favorite lyric of the album, “Watching every night / standing in the moonlight” appears on this one.
The fast and quick “Never Win” steers the train in another direction. This features guest vocals courtesy of Pauhlinho from Flanders 72. “New Love Song” is a raspy yet fun love song. “”Not Alone” which follows shows the potential of the band to introduce more groove to their delivery. There is an element of early Bay Area instrumentation on this track. Crimpshrine quickly comes to mind. The aggression returns on “Strap Your Chin” which seems to center around being in a psych ward. “Should I Care?” boasts some quick chord changes one expects from this band. The Lillingtons and TBR influence creeps in strong on this number. I really dig the musical break downs between the verses. “New Space Laser” is a super fun and poppy track. This one is complete with sound effects and guitar solos. “Procrastinator” commences with a catchy bass line before the vocals start. Dual vocal harmonies are present in the intro to enhance the feel of the track. The pace remains constant throughout which I feel really highlights Nick Spoon's vocal range. The album closer “Makes Me So Angry” begins with a great guitar lead. The vocals pound along underneath the vocals. The track is a solid choice as the finale as it musically captures the feel of the album.
I have been fortunate to have known this band for a number of years. It has been exciting to watch Lesser Creatures begin as a project band from the mind of Mr Nick Spoon. The band has become a true force to be reckoned with in the punk rock community. The lineup changes seemed to have breathed some new fire and energy into the band. I truly believe the best is yet to come.
I am mostly known in cyberspace as a vinyl junkie and punk rock bassist! Fair assessment. I am the bassist of the Chicago area power pop / pop punk band SPACE AGE ZEROS.
