It proves engaging when a band carries the torch of past greats while trying to shut a portion of its own history behind opaque doors. Maybe that’s why the self-titled debut by The Soft Pack is beguiling and yet a bit safe, though surely worth a listen.
Formerly known as The Muslims (it was supposed to be satirical, say the four white guys), The Soft Pack shook off some haziness when creating a new album with a new name. The result is straight-ahead garage punk churned though the terse monotone of frontman Matt Lamkin, who never met an intonation he liked.
The 31-minute, 10-song set pulls the listener at breakneck speed, imploring you to “C’mon” at the start, “Move Along” at the halfway point, before ending with “Parasites,” a five-minute guitar grind that’s two minutes too long but fun nonetheless (maybe they were told the album had to be at least a half-hour long).
In between are homages to The Feelies (“More or Less”), Pixies (“Pull Out”) and The Strokes (“Flammable”), which I know read like lazy comparisons, but it’s unmistakable. I could expound on their expert use of the power chord, or Lamkin’s love of dour lyrics, but all you need to know is this: If two-minute garage rock is your thing, The Soft Pack has your back.
But if you’re looking for some musical breakthrough, not so much. A band doesn’t go from The Muslims to The Soft Pack if it’s trying to make a statement.
