The Exbats

Song Machine (2023)

John Gentile

With ExBats now having completely abandoned their punk edge and have become a full on ‘70s AM pop group, I’ll admit I miss the angry attach of tracks like “2027”… except I don’t because their new band Song machine represents the apogee of the band’s initial concept.

Just listen to “Riding with Paul.” The song is a phenomenal slice of sun rock that winks toward Mamas and Papas and Velvet Underground with each eye. While the tune has a sunny scene straight from the Cali Beach, singer Inez proclaims that Paul “has his crises, he thinks he’s under attack” in a line that would make even Lou Reed take off his hat. Also, the song’s coda will blow you away.

Really, what makes the whole album so perfectly encapsulated, and sort of separates them from the early 2010s throwback bands that were on labels like Hardly Art, Burger, and Gnar is the band’s sincerity. A lot of the other band’s that called back to garage rock and nuggets, had a sort of self-awareness that sometimes edged into the ironic. Here, ExBats are hellbent on crafting perfecto melodic ditties that have one foot anchored in the sunset strip and a timeless sound-land.

Part of this is because the band makes it apoitn to hit several hallmarks. Sure “Better at love” has the loose, rock snap that pre-dated AOR, but more melancholy tracks like “Easy to be sorry” and “what can a song do” could even stand apart from rock and lie in the singer songwriter realm of Joan Baez and Dusty Springfield. Plus, I really love “Cry about me” merges a girl group set up with a slightly-punk bash. “I’m overdue to fuck off outta here!” Inez calls out.

It’s funny that the idea of a song machine is something that generates a brainless tune that clicks but has no heart. With their jangle and rocking riffs, this album is nothing but earnest. With that true feeling and perfection of pop craft, the band has achieved what they’ve been saying that to achieve with every previous release. It’s a real high point for the band. So, now that the band really has created the perfect throwback album (something that thousands and thousands of bands have tried to do and failed)… um… how about a straight up punk smash-n-bash lp… and an east coast tour?!!!