Seattle’s Success does not suck. I repeat, Seattle’s Success does not suck.
In fact, this band has completely won me over almost instantaneously and I am still trying to figure out how the hell they snuck under my radar for so long.
Success are a hybrid of 90s SoCal pop punk and current DIY punk rock. I have no clue how they met or how many albums they have put out or any of the typical default bio stuff. I am sure I could find out, but right now I am focused on telling everyone how I am feeling. Deal.
I do know they covered a Spin Doctors song that I found while stalking them online the other night and I’ll be happy to post it at the bottom of this post as a reward for making it through my review.
It’s seriously being a while since I’ve gotten sucked into an album so quickly. Radio Recovery, dropping March 24th on Red Scare Records, did that in just about 30 minutes. I can not tell you how many times I have listened to this album over and over since the release was thrown my way (thanks Toby!).
“Believe In” opened strong with a pop-punk jam full of sing-alongable qualities. This track was produced well and impressed the hell out of me. I loved the bass playing and the guitar solos, but it was the dual singing style that did it for me. It reminded me of everything I loved about late-90s punk rock music.
“Revolution Schmevolution” continued to keep my attention with this powerhouse of a sing-along. I especially got a kick out of the lyrics, “what’s the problem with this world today is that every Batman thinks he’s a Bruce Wayne.”
Another track that caught my attention was “Lives That We Deserve”. Perhaps it was the piano playing that hid behind everything or just the fact that it was a quality tune. This track was motivational in a sense with the working man’s life being sung upon. This easily was one of my favorite tracks on the album.
“Flowers” was one of the tracks that that had a huge effect on me. It was not too personal by any means, but it was just real. This song was like the polite and caring Rancid that no one ever had the chance to meet. In fact, I would allow Success to steal my sediment and made a cartoon video of clean-cut versions of Tim and Lars picking bouquets of flowers for their special sweethearts. Beyond my puke of creativity, this song was incredible and perhaps did not sound anything like Rancid.
The acoustic “Impossible Truth” was a nice chance but was move Revival Tour material and did not necessarily go with the rest of the album. The organ playing was great throughout and I was really reminded of Frank Turner due to the style.
Closing the album up was “Resignation”, a harmonic punk rock track that pretty much solidifies why I love punk rock music so much. This track just built up so well and just exploded. Perfect way to end a great album.
If you like catchy punk rock jams, this band is for you. Success have won me over and Radio Recovery has earned a well-deserved spot in my Best Of 2015 list.
Hands down, this album rules and while produced well, it still is nothing too clean sounding and has plenty of reasons for multiple listens.
If only more newer bands could sound like Success. Then we could say stupid things like these guys sound like the sweet, sweet sounds of Success.
OK I’m done.
Enjoy.