[Local] Leaving Springfield And Leave All This Behind *** 1/2
Front-loaded pop trifles like “Whatsamatta You,” “Pretty, Skinny, and Blonde,” “Negative Attention” and “Leela” are certainly competent and catchy, but it’s once vocalist/guitarist Brent Kessler and vocalist/drummer Matt Norcross break from the Fountains of Wayne mold near the middle of their debut full-length that things get interesting. Here you’ll find harder, darker and more atmospheric cuts like “Runaway with You,” “Burn Alive” and a momentum-building oath called “I Will Follow You” that nearly evokes peak-era Better Than Ezra. Behind is brimming with harmonies and interesting instrumental flourishes, but it’s also packed with promise. If the title refers to impending adulthood, it might be just the life change the duo needs most.