This was initially sold to me as "garage revival"; and maybe the band was at some point. While new to me, they are a decade old. And have had as many members through the proverbial band door. This is not garage rock by any stretch. It's - for the most part - punk rock. And decent, too.Not pop punk per se, but it's also not the rawest thing you've ever heard. The production is clean, the melodies are distinct.
A couple of highlights include "Comedians"- where the Gamblers polish it up just enough to bring a bounce to their step. The opening chords sound like Kings of Leon, but then the song flows between a modern Thermals and some classic Walkmen. Also "Gallows Bird" with its monotonous beat and lyrical repetition is still awesomely sloppy, like they were playing in the bowels of a slave boat during a storm with a drunk piano player.
On the other hand, they polish up way to much on "Heart Conditions". This sounds too much like a Von Bondies cover, whom I like; but the addition with the rest of the collection here is a forced manuever. Conceptually the same argument can be had for "Loser Neck". Except that it sound like Mike Ness is fronting Better Than Ezra. But, two boners aside, this is still a decent collection. (3 of 5 stars)
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