The Columbus, Ohio four-piece The Kyle Sowashes make music that recalls the glory days of slacker rock from the Nineties. This is stuff that is tuneful and energetic, but which also has a nice, unhurried vibe about it. The band's newest album, I Don't Know What To Tell You, is out on Friday via the reliable Anyway Records.
This record's tunes are easy to love; I mean, who wouldn't love a tune called "Bowling Ball" that comes complete with bowling ball sound effects in the back? I half expected to hear Walter yelling at Donny about Lenin in the background too. The very Dude-worthy "Bottled Up" is about drinking, and it's pretty fun too. Lots of what's here on I Don't Know What To Tell You is like that one, with some numbers, like "Bumming Me Out", achieving a nice mix of power-pop and alt-rock styles. Similarly, "Not All Heroes Wear Capes" sounds a tiny bit like both The Grifters and fellow Ohioans Connections. This tune is punchy, but it's accessible and easygoing, as is the very fine "Stay Home", a sort of poignant affirmation for the kinds of guys in this band, and for those that like listening to stuff like this.
I Don't Know What To Tell You drops on Anyway Records on Friday.
More details on The Kyle Sowashes via the band's official Facebook page.
[Photo: Anyway Records]