The Felice Brothers

Favorite Waitress

BY Joshua KlokePublished Jun 17, 2014

7
The Felice Brothers previous release, 2011's Celebration, Florida turned a lot of heads with its infusion of synth-heavy tracks. Yet it is the return to form of Favorite Waitress that will likely have fans of the band nodding their heads along in approval: It's a return to the shambolic yet invigorating brand of crowd-pleasing Americana. The record succeeds when the band give in to the temptation of pleasing their crowd with ramshackle tracks that will work well in a live setting.

The five-piece sound their best when they're loose and comfortable to leave it all on the table, as they are on "Lion," which rises and falls dramatically with a buoyant string section. The enthusiasm continues with "Cherry Licorice," and when lead singer Ian Felice channels his inner Bob Dylan, with his nasal drawl and stream of consciousness rambling, he guides the band down strangely inviting roads.

The requisite mid-album slowdown of "No Trouble" lacks the romantic touch the band have mastered in the past, and isn't at all memorable, and "Woman Next Door" doesn't feature a precise hook like many of the better tracks on the record, but when the party is this good, you likely won't notice.
(Dualtone)

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