Again, For The Win - We've Been Here Forever (Deep Elm)

Austin, Texas’ Again, for the Win specialize in rock. BIG rock. Their second album, We’ve Been Here Forever, is a record that is big on hooks, bigger on atmosphere, and an all-around heady experience. That sound is led by the big, powerful voice of lead singer Carter Francis, and it rides comfortably alongside this five-man band’s melodic accompaniment, which finds a heavy use of synthesizers and Rhodes piano and loud, ringing guitars. It’s a sound that can straddle the line between bands like Clarity era Jimmy Eat World and Brand New, and moodier bands such as Placebo and Muse. There’s a hint of psychedelia, as witnessed in “Merkabah” and “Breaking/Entering,” trippy, mellow songs that fit nicely with more up-tempo rockers like “The Legend Of” and “Architects.” “Aspirations” finds Francis by himself on guitar, and it sounds real good, too. But none of these styles feel like a stretch, and the seeming variety of loud/quiet/fast/stoned sounds forms a satisfying listening experience. We’ve Been Here Forever is an impressive record by a young band.