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Obsoletes: Is This Progress?
[145]

The Obsoletes are straight mid-Western rock nroll.  There is nothing flashy about em.  The most standout tune is Sad State of Affairs, which to quote Bridget Fonda is vaguely rockin.  The rest of this album does not live up to its title, Is This Progress? Maybe it would if you skipped the past 40 years or so of music and this was the first album you heard when you turned on the radio or walked into a record store; but not today.

Or maybe they mean Is This Progress?, in the context of themselves, as a band? That would be a more likely and believable meaning.  This is the Wisconsin trios first record, and perhaps they have progressed from their live show to this recording.  They have obviously also moved on from their individual previous bands, one of which was a pop-punk band signed to Lookout! Records.  It is evident to me that these guys have the potential to be much better once they fine-tune their sound and decide what it is they are trying to say with their music.  I dont mean you necessarily have to say something with your music, but the connection doesnt seem to be there for them not audibly anyway.  Once they can bring that to their act, an act that borrows heavily from the likes of Mellencamp and Springsteen, then they might be going somewhere. 

This album doesnt jolt you to run out and see these guys, maybe because of the banality of the recording, which is only challenged by the rather obscure cover of the Replacements song P.O. Box, but they are only one record in, who know what they might accomplish?  Maybe a second record or a split 7-inch, or a steady gig.  See? Piles of opportunity.

This album can be purchased at 145 Music

The Obsoletes Official Website

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