Forever Halloween

While the intimidating-looking skeleton man on the cover strongly suggests that this Tempe, Ariz., quintet has adopted the classic horror-rock stylings of The Misfits or The Cramps, the opening song here—“Take What You Can Carry”—immediately disarms such assumptions with well-crafted rootsy rock. More Wilco than Witchcraft, “Love & Drugs” dials up the Fender reverb as John O'Callaghan’s slightly weathered rasp sings sophisticated melodies over a backdrop of twangy guitar pop. Although The Maine's wistful take on power pop (as heard in the beautifully melancholic “White Walls”) sounds like something out of Jeff Tweedy's Being There sketchbook, “Birthday in Los Angeles” shows more originality and experimentation. Here O’Callaghan mournfully croons his birthday blues over a warbling pump organ right through a murky mix. It inadvertently recalls the mysterious “I Just Want to See His Face” from The Rolling Stones’ Exile on Main St.—replete with weepy slide guitar.