To say that guitarist Brent Kessler and drummer Matt Norcross play pop-rock is nearly an insult to the Now That We’re Famous vets. There’s a strong Fountains of Wayne influence—particularly in the clap-happy “Negative Attention” and the earnestly wistful “Pretty, Skinny and Blonde”—but there’s also a windblown, classic-rock timelessness that has zero tolerance for pretension or latching onto the latest trends. Then there’s that name; perhaps a subtle reference to growing pains, passing seasons and fading glory? If so, it’s an excellent match for the duo’s themes. If not, it’s still a helluva better moniker than Fall Out Boy.
Leaving Springfield
Leaving Springfield
*** 1/2