Tin Armor

Comparisons to Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and Smoking Popes' Josh Caterer were prominent in our review of Tin Armor's A Better Place Than I Have Been, and those similarities are certainly audible in their new self-titled 7".

Tin Armor is, indeed, four songs of modestly played, semi-jangly pop-punk/indie rock, imagining Elvis Costello-via-Ted Leo melodies through a voice that bears stark resemblance to the aforementioned Caterer. There's a certain charm and sincerity to Tin Armor that's hard to pin down, but it tends to make up for the occasional blandness of the 7".

The best song here, hands down, is opener "Hold Me Back." When singer/guitarist Matt Umland hollers, "But you're acting dumb as dirt these days!," it's an impassioned cry that resonates well. The rest of the EP is solid enough, though; closer "Problems Formerly Pleasures" recalls a Smiths-esque grandeur and lushness.

Tin Armor is a decent little treat with a mix of influences that are curious and cool and somehow work.

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Hold Me Back
The Roof and the Rod