“Boxer At Rest” The Bye Bye Blackbirds
Local, Oakland-based band is back with harmony-laden, guitar rock that has “swagger and smarts” — according to their one-sheet. Led by Bradley Skaught, the band has a strong Bay Area following and regularly plays live. This album is about “the passing of friends, loved ones, artists and inspirations” — with the tracks waiting for months while founding member, Lenny Gill, recovered from a heart transplant. Big chords, ringing guitars and soaring harmonies. RIYL: Tom Petty, the Byrds and similar bands.
— Francis

Recommended: 1, 8, 4, 5, 7. No FCCs detected.

1. (3:40) You Were All Light – Cracking, straight-ahead guitar-driven rock. Harmonized lead guitars. Rockin’ electric guitar licks. Cool horns added. ****
2. (1:55) How Do We Stay? – Peppy pop rock with tumbling drums, crashing cymbals and searing and chugging guitars.
3. (5:15) So True – Mid-tempo rock. Big chords with guitar stingers that are a throwback to Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills on “Super Session” — plus rich harmonized lead vocals. Really nice guitar trail-out.
4. (3:34) Baby It’s Still You – Americana-flavored rock or alt-country, in a style reminiscent of the Byrds. Bold brass added in the chorus. ***
5. (2:52) Words & Signs – Beautiful acoustic ballad. Sweet, smooth vocals. ***
6. (2:39) Watch Them Chime – Rolling, laid-back guitar anthem — again, with richly harmonized vocals.
7. (3:05) War Is Still Hell – Bouncy, rollickingly fun tune with energetic guitars and sharp drumming — plus great guitar work in the lead breaks. **
8. (7:42) If It Gets Light – Chugging prog rock with a rapid bass line and a pounding beat. Psychedelic guitar solos that build to searing levels in the lead breaks. Epic length. Really good! ***
9. (2:42) All Our Friends – Rich, warm guitar-driven tribute to lost friends.