Rock romance from the beautiful San Francisco
San Francisco rock group further cleans up their act here, with an optimistic and professional album of romance and speculation. This is the first LP from Tim Cohen and company since Play It Strange, and that album is amazing. Both Tim Cohen and guitarist Wymond Miles have released solo albums since, but this is a stronger record than either of those (in this DJ’s opinion). The songs feature brilliant songwriting, solid production, and well-executed instrumentation. I have to think of groups like The Shins, Girls, Crystal Stilts and The Cure here more so than more garage groups like Thee Oh Sees or Ty Segall. Tracks like “Long Slow Dance” and “Presence of Mind” are mature, but still plenty catchy and fun.
Let this album ride.
Think: A sincere album full of 60s rock influence + aforementioned artists
REC: 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11
FCC: Cleeeean
Label: Mexican Summer
Release Date: September 4, 2012
Alex Applegate reviewed this album on September 6, 2012
Fresh & Onlys: Presence of Mind