Yuck
“Middle Sea”
Glow & Behold (out 10/1 on Fat Possum)
When the news broke last year that frontman Daniel Blumberg was leaving the band, I assumed that we’d never get a proper follow-up to the Londoners’ Gin Blossoms-tastic 2011 debut. However, the group has decided to soldier on as a three-piece with guitarist Max Bloom taking over main singing and songwriting duties. Judging by their first two singles, it looks like there is life after losing their singer.
Like their previous work, “Middle Sea” retains much of their classic, nostalgic Empire Records-ish sound — fuzzy guitars, sharp hooks, angst, more angst, EVEN MORE ANGST — and though Blumberg was a solid vocalist, Bloom’s delivery is more powerful and direct, which is a nice foil for their blurry, ephemeral arraignments. Though their future was uncertain, it is now bright.
