It’s been twenty-two years since Splitsville last released an album. The Baltimore quartet haven’t just reunited for grins, though – Mobtown, their sixth album, resounds with glorious purpose. As if not a day has passed, former Greenberry Woods Brandt and Matt Huseman and their compadres Tony Waddy and Paul Krysiak still apply Beach Boys harmonies (including counterpoint!), Cheap Trick guitars, Badfinger rhythms, and the occasional spot of Bowie to songs that roll every cool trick of the genre into one record. The sugarblast of “I Hate Going to Hutzler’s” is the obvious pick to click, but that’s merely a taster – check out the expansive pop anthemry of “Perry Hall,” the pop punk goodness of “Cold Open,” the winsome character study of “Beth Steel,” the Jellyfishesque balladry of “Gray,” and the superior songcraft of “On Federal Hill” for sweet treats. Mind you, there’s more than just pop frosting here – as a tribute to the band’s hometown, this candy has actual nutrition buried under the sheen. Power pop comebacks don’t come any stronger than Mobtown.
