The Backwards EP by ALBATROSS COUNTY
https://albatrosscountyrva.bandcamp.com/album/the-backwards-ep
ALBUM REVIEW BY JOE FITZPATRICK
Based in Chesterfield, Va., ALBATROSS COUNTY comes off as the epitome of your standard pop punk band; however, they are much more diverse than their opening track leads the listener to believe. With catchy hooks and a simple harmony, this four-piece delivers quality, tongue-in-cheek tunes on their third release. The album is a play on their debut self-titled EP, with backwards album art, but the EP features four fresh tracks and a cover. The opening track, “Hastily Forgotten,” is a toe-tapping start that might get you pogo jumping, if you are into that type of thing. Though the vocals seem slightly out of key at times, it is angsty, and I like it. The following track, “Can We Not,” is a nostalgic ska song that takes the listener back to better times — the 90’s. Though this song is fun and upbeat, it is also a little chaotic. The album then takes a strange turn on the fifth track, “This Curse,” which is a mellow, R&B inspired song with a drum track and autotuned vocals. It’s a bit out of place and unexpected if you ask me. The EP closes on a much heavier note with the band’s cover of RIFF RAFF’s song “Versace Python,” which is a combination of rap, punk, and alternative rock. It’s clear that ALBATROSS COUNTY’s influences are very diverse, which is represented well on the EP. However, I’m not sure how cohesive it is.
