Search - The Anniversary/ Superdrag :: The Anniversary/ Superdrag

Definitely worth your money

Chris Wren | Chicago, Illinois | 02/16/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Both The Anniversary and Superdrag take about-faces on this split as they revert to 60s pop with a modern tinge. The Anniversary, a band who reverted from the sound of their debut album to a 60s psychadelic vibe, present themselves with a strong batch of songs that are a good prelude to their astounding second release, Your Majesty. Superdrag, primarily known for their hit song "Sucked Out" off their debut, show a fantastic evolution as a band through this split.However, the songs by The Anniversary are really the stand out tracks on the album. Instead of moving into the new fields of emo (Thursday) and feeling the influence of a larger emo band looming behind them (Get Up Kids), The Anniversary have seemingly rejected the genre and learned to write great music that doesn't cater to the contemporary pop scene but harks back to an older era. "Anais" rings as a brit-pop influenced jangle that is engaging and beautiful, while the real stellar track, "Up in the Sky", harks back to Lennon at his exotic peak. In short, the songs by the Anniversary are spectacular and can be the sole reason for buying this album.Superdrag doesn't disappoint but remains more of a contemporary pop band. Regardless, their songs are catchy with great hooks. "Take Your Spectre Away" is an engaging, emotive pop song that draws the listener in with jangle rock powers. "The Emotional Kind" is a pure pop song, while "I guess it's American" is the stud track, punky and poppy that resonates it's lyrics throughout the song.As a nice breath of new music, definitely check out this LP. It'll be worth it's price in no time as the quality of the music far outweighs the quantity of songs. Pick it up as soon as you get the chance."