There's something almost admirable about how polished the new record from Newski is. Friend Rock, out today, is full of radio-friendly stuff, and sleek surfaces, even if the lyrics hint at depths left a bit unplumbed. A whole raft of guests only adds to the strengths of this record.
The surging "Chemicals" soars thanks to vocals from Matthew Caws of Nada Surf, while the chunky "Why Even Bother" recalls the alt-rock of the Clinton years thanks to guest Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe. This is solid, yes, but a bit too sleek for me. There's variety here in tone, and a bit in mood, but overall the album seems very much like stuff I'd hear on American radio in 1997 and only stick with for a verse or chorus. The lilting "Airplane" benefits from the help from Ryan Miller of Guster, but even this number is just too AOR to sustain a careful listen. I think there's a lot of good stuff here for the right person, even if that person isn't necessarily me.
Friend Rock is bright and uncomplicated, and Newski do this stuff so well that one might imagine this was some lost record from the pre-9/11 years. As a release in 2023, it's got a sort of throwback appeal, for those who miss the music of that era. And there's enough heartfelt emotion in the lyrics to make this marginally recommended, but maybe in small doses where the tunes might have more of an impact.
Friend Rock by Newski is out today.
[Photo: Newski Bandcamp]