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It’s cliché to call The Unswept’s work a “family affair”, but there’s no way around it. The unique pairing of three British cousins as the band only continues the lifelong musical collaboration they’ve enjoyed. The Unswept spent several years playing in and around their native Sheffield before relocating to the United States, Chicago in particular, to facilitate the chance they got to tour with a marquee act. The three-piece parlayed that move and career decision into this band, an unit with original songs that have built a reputation as one of Chicago’s best-loved indie pop bands with a traditional edge. They wear a lot of faces, however, and never rest for long in a single place.
Their new album Fast Casual begins with one of my personal favorites from the release. It’s easy to hear why the band chose to kick things off with the track “You Keep Me Company”. It’s an attention-grabber both musically and lyrically. Charlie O’Brien’s voice has appealing warmth and clarity. His perhaps surprising gravitas as a singer, understated, helps give the song’s humor an added comical edge. There’s pathos here, as well, for anyone who cares to listen. There’s a lovely ringing Rickenbacker-like guitar sound putting its stamp on the opening seconds of “Got Lucky” and it sets a memorable stage for Liz O’Brien’s first vocal. The chorus has nice punch and an appreciable lift.
The pleasing pop strands of “Lucinda Luann” is another of the album’s best moments. The songwriting conjures the song’s title character with brushstrokes but, ultimately, it’s a song far more about the narrator than the character. The Unswept develops the song’s chorus in such a way listeners are certain to come back for more. The song’s eye for significant detail, as well, is another key to its success. Two of the album’s best rockers come with “Forget That Day” and “Codependent”.
The first of these songs has a light punk influence hiding just below its surface and the deadpan vocal delivery is nearly note-perfect, given the song’s lyrical demeanor. It’s got just the right amount of kick leading into the brief lead guitar break during the track’s second half. “Codependent”, however, has The Unswept rolling out six-string firepower we haven’t heard until now. There’s humor here, as well, and some rhymes that will have audiences roaring their approval.
“Please Don’t Waste My Time” benefits most from outstanding vocal harmonies throughout. The construction is a small risk, but nevertheless bold with its near reliance on an acapella approach. It brings us what we want, however, and the seamless vocal presentation is another one of those moments sure to make you come back and listen again. “Cheugy Choo Choo” has definite rock roots and plenty of guitars, but there’s light-footed pop energy that keeps it moving rather than plodding. It’s another of the defining parts of The Unswept’s presentation separating them from the pack and definitely helps Fast Casual leave its mark on listeners. The best part is that there’s more to come.
by Jennifer Munoz
