Gatsby's American Dream

With a slightly danceable sound that backs up the band’s punk pedigree, Gatsby’s American Dream is another fine example of why this highly productive band is always worth checking out. With a sound entirely of their own, a range of influences can be heard on the very first track, the dynamic Lost-referencing "You All Everybody.” From a minimalist, Fugazi-esque introduction, the song jumps right into a driving math rock verse before the fast-paced guitars collide with a wide-open organ — courtesy of brand-new member Kyle O’Quin — for a catchy, off-time chorus. Elsewhere, piano leads elevate songs like "Badd Beat” from straight-ahead power pop to a punk rock interpretation of Ben Folds Five. At the Drive-In are recalled with a song like "Station 5: The Pearl,” although the vocals of lead singer Nic Newsham are entirely unlike anything ever produced by anyone with an afro named Cedric. Instead, Newsham offers a powerfully melodic voice with style and attitude, an ideal compliment to Bobby Darling’s speedy, technical guitar work. Rounded out by the stand-out bass work of Kirk Huffman and Rudy Gajadhar’s lyrical drum work, Gatsby’s American Dream have proven once again that any genre classification they’re tagged with is woefully inadequate.