Failures’ Union – In What Way

Here’s another example of a band and album that I (obviously) failed to take notice of early enough. In What Way, from Buffalo, NY’s Failures’ Union, is another record that falls under the broad banner of what I perceive to be some sort of mid 1990’s alternative/indie rock revival. You know, bands that with sounds that draw from the catalogs of Superchunk, Buffalo Tom, Lemonheads, Archers Of Loaf, Guided By Voices, etc… First (it seems) there was the emo revival and now college rock. I’m not about to complain. The songs on In What Way are built on simple melodies and moderate tempos and feel almost instantly familiar without ever becoming just a facsimile of their influences. The vocals are sunny but disinterested and the guitars are fuzzy but jangly. Failures’ Union has seemingly perfected navigating the confluence of retro alt-rock and toned down pop punk. Heck, I hear shades of so many other bands on In What Way but the minute I stop thinking and analyzing the music and just listen, I only hear Failures’ Union. This falls into my highly recommended category and is available now from the always great Paper + Plastick label. And if that wasn’t enough, RIYL: Cheap Girls, Lemuria, The Sidekicks, etc…

MP3:
Failures' Union - Hidden Song
Failures' Union - The Fall Man