Widows Gold make fairly conventional music. This is alt-rock of the sort that was everywhere in the Clinton years. But they make it work thanks to the vocals of Madeline Star and the guitar-work of her husband, Ben Sauer. Love Drops, the group's new record, is tight and bracing in spots, and quite catchy in others.
"Tell Me" has a dash of New Pornographers about it, while "Little by Little" marries a wonderful melodic hook with Madeline's plaintive vocals. The tune is catchy and soaring in spots, and it's nearly the best thing here. However, that designation belongs to "I Can't Help You", a wildly effective number that builds in intensity. Expertly constructed, this bit of power pop is the sort of thing that would be a huge radio hit in a perfect world. Widows Gold have a sound that might be too polished and slick to be considered indie, but the tunes are bright and as uncompromising in focus as the best indie rock. That the selections are all sharp and full of cruncy riffs is even more of a recommendation for Love Drops.
Love Drops is out now.
[Photo: Cameron Strand]