It’s difficult to believe that In the Late Bright is only the eighth TOMMY KEENE studio album in a career that goes back nearly 30 years. But that’s what happens when an artist makes power pop albums that are both consistently high quality and under the radar: the records hold up so well over time they still sound fresh, and each one comes as a pleasant surprise. This LP is no exception – it’s stuffed to burstin’ with Keene’s usual assets: jangling guitars, major chord melodies, reedy vocals (now coarsened somewhat with age, but not unpleasantly so), bright production and, naturally, hooks hooks hooks. “Realize Your Mind,” “Tomorrow’s Gone Tonight” and “A Secret Life of Stories” deliver on all of the above; “Nighttime Crime Scene” slows down the tempo and relies on minor chords. “Please Don’t Come Around” throws together an upbeat chorus, moody verses and a garage rock bridge for a neat treat. “Elevated” goes completely wordless and psychedelic, while “The Right Time to Fly” cranks the amps up for a great heavy rocker. Frankly, there’s not a dud lurking anywhere on In the Late Bright, as Keene moves from strength to strength. Bloody brilliant.
http://www.tommykeene.com
http://www.secondmotionrecords.com
