BONERS & AIRPLANES

Just kidding. That's what I really was hoping to write about Mr. Tom Flott's debut EP Café Dysthymia from his band Boners & Airplanes. But unfortunately I cannot because I'm surprisingly blown away by this record. When I say blown away I mean it. This EP took me by total surprise. I really expected to give it a "meh" review but wound up listening to it so much in the last two days that I already know 75% of the lyrics.

Both musically and lyrically it's very in vain of Alkaline Trio. Melodramatic pop-punk fueled by a little bit of Rock N' Roll. The standout track in my opinion is track #2's, Whores And Wives. It reminds me a lot of The Stray Cats but knowing Tom it was probably more inspired by Mike Ness than Brian Setzer. The other 3 songs, like I've stated already, are very Alkaline Trio-ish. Whether it was by coincidence or Tom is smarter than I give him credit for, he showed off what he can do with the other 3 songs though. They are consistent in nature but vary enough to keep in interesting. The opener, Victory For Damian, is very acoustic heavy with a backing band. Track #3's, Promise Me That You're Gone sounds more like one of the more energetic songs that Matt Skiba would sing. Closing the EP is "the hit", Congratufuckinglations, and is more in vain of one of the slower Alk3 songs that you would find Dan Andriano singing.

Now for something that really impressed me; the vocals. I've heard Tom mess around before and I've always thought his voice was good but once I heard this recording my jaw definitely dropped. Skiba again comes to mind but Tom is slightly deeper. I also thought that the backing vocals were blended beautifully throughout each song.

The production is great. Not a single instrument comes in too strong. Everything stands alone and is crisp. The lead and backing vocals are, as I stated previously, blended beautifully throughout the recording. It appears a lot of time was taken with the recording and mastering.

I only have 2 complaints about this. First is the fact that it's only 4 songs. This is why I hate EP's, 7inches, singles, etc. Just as I start getting into the album, it's over. I really can't wait to hear a full length, whenever Tom decides to write one. The 2nd is the band name. Now while I can respect going against the norm and using a standard acceptable name for a band, but I think doing it here will hurt the bands true potential. People that are not from around Tri-state area could simply write the band off prior to even hearing, them just by the name. They'd be fools to do that, but I can't really blame them. I know that if I didn't know Tom and saw them on a flyer I'd never give it a second look.

People who say "I'd rather listen to Alkaline Trio" should think twice. Sure while Alkaline Trio is great and there is only one of them, but Boners And Airplanes is really the next best thing. I suggest everyone that loves the Trio, check out these guys.

Label:
Independent

Official Site:
www.bonersandairplanes.com

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Posted By:
WREN